Earlier this year, Gordon finally committed his international allegiance to the Britain team after a number of years where contract negotiations had prevented him from taking his place on the roster.

However, the London-born guard is struggling to overcome the effects of a post-season operation that took place in early May to remove fragments of bone.

Gordon struggled with ankle issues throughout the season and hopes that the operation has cured the problem but admitted that he is bitterly disappointed not to join up with the British team for the first time and play alongside fellow NBA star and former Chicago Bulls’ teammate Luol Deng.

Gordon said: "I am really disappointed that my injury will not be fully healed in time for me to join GB.

"The British medical staff and management have been in touch with the Pistons over the past few weeks.

"Every effort has been made but unfortunately, I just won’t be ready to play come August.

"I am really looking forward to playing next year and will follow the team’s success this summer.

"It would have been great to play with Luol this summer but it will just have to wait until next year."

In addition to Gordon, Aldershot-born Joel Freeland sustained an injury with his club team Unicaja Malaga as they progressed through to the playoff stage of the ACB League in Spain before eventually going out at the semi-final stage. 

The current injury will require rehab this summer, keeping him out of the 2010 campaign.

The 23-year-old forward has been an integral part of the side and the British medical team has assessed Joel and will provide support to him throughout the summer.

Britain's head coach Chris Finch admitted he was very disappointed to hear of the injuries but remains optimistic that the team can achieve its objectives of reaching its second consecutive EuroBasket Final.

He said: "This is undoubtedly a blow to the team as they would have both been key players in what is going to be a challenging summer with four EuroBasket qualifying games home and away.

"However, it will be a great opportunity for some of the younger players to step up to the mark and stake a claim for a regular place.

"Players like Justin Robinson, Matthew Bryan Amaning and Ashley Hamilton all performed well for the GB Futures so we should be positive about what the younger players can offer."

Like last year the training camp for the EuroBasket qualifying campaign will be held in Cobham, Surrey and Finch is looking forward to getting the players on court.

"We have a shorter period in camp than usual, so it is going to be a case of getting the guys up to speed as quickly as possible. 

"We have some tough test games before the EuroBasket fixtures get underway on August 2 away to Hungary.

"Like the last campaign the home games are going to be very important to the team and getting four wins will stand us in good stead come the final game against Ukraine on the 29 August."

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