World silver medallist Hannah England faces an uphill battle to compete at the Olympic trials after suffering an Achilles injury.
England, who won a surprise silver in the 1,500 metres in Daegu last year, was spiked during a race in Hengelo on Sunday and will be out for "several" weeks according to UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee.
The Olympic trials in Birmingham are just three weeks away, with the first two athletes in each event qualifying automatically for the Games, providing they hold a current 'A' standard. One other discretionary place is also available to the selectors.
Van Commenee said: "Hannah England got a spike in her Achilles tendon. Although she won the race she will be out for a number of weeks, which is not good news. That is a worry.
"She's had no surgery but she had to be in hospital a few days. We're using all the modern technology to get the wound healing quickly. She won't necessarily be running straight away, but cross-training and other things."
Asked if the 25-year-old will be fit for the trials, Van Commenee added: "She'll try. We're working towards that scenario but it's impossible at this point to predict."
England sounded slightly more upbeat on her Facebook fan page, adding: "Glad to get an A qualifier and a win in Hengelo on Sunday. Got some battle scars though from being spiked. No stitches but will have some cool scars! Taking it easy this week to avoid infection and reduce risk of any lingering problems."
