World Cup 2014: Andros Townsend to miss the tournament in Brazil after damaging ankle ligaments

Tottenham winger has been ruled out for 8-10 weeks

Andros Townsend in action for England against Denmark back in March (Reuters)

England winger Andros Townsend has been ruled out of the World Cup after Tottenham announced he must undergo ankle surgery.

Townsend will be sidelined for 10 weeks and is to undergo the procedure to the joint on his left leg on Thursday.

"Following further examination and consultation, Andros Townsend is to undergo surgery on his left ankle after damaging ligaments during our fixture against Stoke City last Saturday," a club statement read.

"The injury is likely to sideline the young winger for up to 10 weeks."

Townsend sustained the injury after coming on 12 minutes from time in Saturday's 1-0 Barclays Premier League win at Stoke.

The 22-year-old left the Britannia Stadium in a protective boot and underwent an MRI scan on Monday and was assessed further on Tuesday.

The Spurs academy graduate has made 33 appearances in total this term and impressed on loan at QPR at the back end of last season.

Townsend exploded onto the international stage in October, netting on his England debut against Montenegro before helping overcome Poland as Roy Hodgson's men secured a place in Brazil.

However, he has not enjoyed the best end to the campaign and last started a Premier League match in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on March 16.

That lack of game time affected his World Cup hopes and after this latest injury update, it is guaranteed he will not be among the names when Hodgson picks his World Cup squad on May 12.

More to follow...