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Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have been ruled out of England's friendly clash with Germany on Wednesday.

Liverpool skipper Gerrard had been withdrawn from contention by his club after picking up a groin injury against Bolton on Saturday.

Nevertheless, England coach Fabio Capello ordered the midfielder to report for duty at the national side's Hertfordshire training base on Sunday evening.

Having since confirmed that the Liverpool medical staff's diagnosis was indeed correct, Gerrard has been allowed to return to Merseyside to recuperate.

Lampard sustained a rib injury during Chelsea's game with West Brom at the weekend and scans showed he would not be fit enough to feature at the Olympic Stadium.

An FA statement confirmed: "Both were scanned this morning and have now been sent back to their clubs for further treatment."

Capello wasted no time in finding replacements for the midfield duo with Fulham's Jimmy Bullard and West Ham's Scott Parker called into the squad.

The pair's withdrawal has left Capello with just three of his first choice team available for England's first game in the German capital since 1972.

The Italian was already without Manchester United trio Wesley Brown, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, Chelsea pair Ashley and Joe Cole, and Wigan striker Emile Heskey.

Joe Hart also pulled out of the squad after sustaining an ankle injury over the weekend, with Blackburn's Paul Robinson called up to replace the Manchester City goalkeeper.

But captain John Terry, who was doubtful with a foot complaint after the weekend, completed a full training session and is in contention to lead England out in Berlin.

Considering the game comes in the middle of a busy domestic schedule, the pull-outs have raised the inevitable club versus country question.

But midfielder Michael Carrick insisted the fixture still holds importance.

"I'm playing for England and this is the stuff of dreams," Carrick, the only Mancehster United player in the squad, said.

"Germany versus England is a massive game and I've always dreamed to be part of one day. It's not a hindrance at all. I'm here and I want to play.

"The club versus country thing always pops up but as players we don't get involved in that. We want to be part of the England team. Germany versus England in Berlin is huge and we want to be part of that."

Mike Hytner / Eurosport