• Defender fails to recover for Wednesday's match • England squad down to 21 with Gareth Barry's suspension

Rio Ferdinand will not join up with the England squad ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier with Andorra.

Ferdinand, the Manchester United defender, was ruled out of yesterday's victory over Kazakhstan as he was still experiencing discomfort in a calf injury that disrupted his preparation for last month's Champions League final.

It was expected Ferdinand would join up with his England colleagues today but the FA have now confirmed he will miss out again, giving himself more chance to rest to ensure his fitness for the new season.

It ends an injury-blighted campaign for Ferdinand, who has also been troubled by a back complaint since December.

There was little point in him being risked against Andorra, who will surely not prevent Fabio Capello's side from making it seven Group Six wins on the trot at Wembley on Wednesday, leaving them close to booking a place at next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Capello has opted not to bring in a replacement, leaving him with just 21 players as Gareth Barry has been ruled out of Wednesday's game through suspension.

Barry was booked in Almaty yesterday and has now been cleared to link up with his new club Manchester City.