England captain John Terry has been ruled out of the 2010 World Cup qualifier against Belarus in Minsk Wednesday because of the back injury which kept him out of last Saturday's match against Kazakhstan.
Defender Ashley Cole, who was booed by the Wembley crowd when a defensive lapse allowed Kazakhstan to score their only goal in England's 5-1 victory, will also miss the Group Six match because of a hamstring strain.
"Terry worked with England physio Gary Lewin yesterday, but was unable to take part in training today with the squad," a statement on the Football Association website (www.thefa.com) said.
"Ashley Cole has also been ruled out of the match due to a hamstring injury. Cole suffered a strain to his right hamstring during Saturday's game, and a scan yesterday has confirmed he will miss Wednesday's match in Minsk."
The FA said both players had left the England camp Monday to rejoin their Premier League club Chelsea.
Rio Ferdinand captained England in Terry's absence on Saturday, heading the opening goal.
