The reigning world long jump champion is to miss the event through injury

Greg Rutherford has been forced to withdraw from Sunday's Müller Anniversary Games in London following a season so far which he says has been "riddled with a series of troublesome injuries".

The reigning world, European and Commonwealth champion opened his long jump season with a leap of 8.18m at the Arcadis Great CityGames Manchester in May but has only competed once since, in Gavardo at the beginning of June where he jumped 7.95m but retired from the competition after his fourth jump.

He will now no longer compete at the London Diamond League meeting at the weekend as he hopes to continue his recovery in time to defend his world title in the UK capital next month.

"After some really excellent training this year, the start to the season has been riddled with a series of troublesome injuries. Most recently, a problem with an ankle ligament," said the London 2012 Olympic champion and Rio bronze medallist.

"As a result, I am absolutely gutted to say that I am unable to compete at the Müller Anniversary Games this weekend – one of the greatest events in our sport.

"Obviously this isn’t ideal, but I am doing everything I can to give myself the best chance of success at the London 2017 World Championships. Thanks as always to the incredible support of the athletics fans in the UK – I hope to do you proud in August!"

He added: "Wishing all my fellow competitors the best of luck for this weekend, competing at the Anniversary Games is an amazing experience. I will be watching and supporting from the stands, and wishing I was out there with you."