Emile Heskey has returned to Villa after he was injured in England’s 4-0 win over Slovakia at Wembley.

The striker was substituted just 14 minutes into the friendly and at first was thought have suffered cramp, but scans revealed damage to his left hamstring.

The injury has forced him out of Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley.

The news is a blow to Capello, who views Heskey as an integral part of his future plans.

Heskey has been in impressive form recently and, before his enforced exit, scored his first international goal for almost six years to put England ahead against the Slovenians.

It is the second withdrawal in less than 24 hours for Capello, as Carlton Cole was ruled out immediately following the completion of England’s win over Slovakia after suffering a thigh strain.

Capello called Tottenham’s Darren Bent up as a replacement last night but the FA have indicated there will be no further additions to the England squad at this time.

Heskey’s Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor would have been an obvious alternative, but he pulled out of England under-21 duty in Norway last week, also with a hamstring problem.

The possibility of Kevin Davies getting a first call-up was ruled out by Capello last night, as were the chances of Michael Owen earning a recall.

The England coach added: “Michael Owen played 20 minutes in his last game, it is not enough- and it would not be Kevin Davies either.”