After securing his spot on the team at the 2017 World Swimming Championships, Litchfield has now been forced to pull out due to a shoulder problem.

The 22-year-old had been "responding well" to treatment of the injury but has now decided he will not be fully fit for the Commonwealth Games.

Litchfield, who competed at both the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, expressed his disappointment at missing the event in Australia.

"I'm disappointed not to be attending the Commonwealth Games, but at the moment my focus has to be on my shoulder rehabilitation and looking ahead to Tokyo 2020 in two years time," he said.

"I would like to thank everyone at my club and within the British Swimming and Swim England set-up who have been supporting me during this time and wish the team the best of luck on the Gold Coast."

Litchfield specialises in medley and freestyle swimming.

He won silver in the 400 metres individual medley at the World Short Course Championships in Windsor in 2016.

England's swimming team leader Grant Robins added: "Max has been receiving regular physiotherapy in the hope that he would be able to compete at the Commonwealth Games, but unfortunately medical advice is that he does not take part.

"Although this is sad news for the team, this is the best option for Max and his long-term future in swimming and we wish him well in his ongoing recovery."

Litchfield's withdrawal from the squad means England's swimming team now totals 53 members.

Gold Coast 2018 takes place from April 4 to 15 with the swimming events due to be hosted at the Optus Aquatic Centre from April 5 to 10.