Lutalo Muhammad has withdrawn from Great Britain’s squad for the WTF World Championships in Russia because of a knee injury.

The London 2012 bronze medallist was due to compete in the -87kg division in Chelyabinsk on May 16.

However, Muhammad damaged a knee cartilage during one of the team’s final training sessions at the GB Academy in Manchester.

The 23-year-old ‘Walthamstow Warrior’ has already undergone minor surgery and will begin his rehabilitation with the aim of taking up his place in Great Britain’s team for next month’s inaugural European Games in Baku.

Muhammad, a winner of the US Open earlier this year and a Turkish Open silver medallist, won’t be replaced in the squad.

“It is disappointing but these things happen in sport,” said Muhammad, who celebrates his 24th birthday on June 3. “There are a lot of big events coming up this year, including the World Grand Prix series, so there will be plenty more medal opportunities.

“I would loved to have fought at the World Championships but I am sure my team mates will do me proud.”

Liverpool teenager Josh Calland will be the first member of Britain’s now 13-strong squad in action when he takes to the mats in the -58kg division on Tuesday.

GB SQUAD

Schedule (+4 hour time difference in Chelyabinsk)

MEN:

May 12: -58kg Josh Calland (Liverpool)
May 13: -74kg Andrew Deer (Tamworth)
May 14: -68kg Ruebyn Richards (Nottingham)
May 15: -54 Max Cater (Southampton)
May 16: +87kg Mahama Cho (Stockwell)
May 17: -63kg Jordan Gayle (Manchester)
May 18: -80kg Damon Sansum (Elgin)

WOMEN:

May 13: -48kg: Charlie Maddock (Stoke on Trent)
May 15: -53kg Georgia Barnes (Southampton); +73kg Bianca Walkden (Liverpool)
May 16: -73kg Jade Slavin (Consett)
May 17: -57kg Jade Jones (Flint)
May 18: -62kg Rachelle Booth (Wigan)