Andy Murray pulls out of GB team with shoulder injury

Andy Murray has withdrawn from Great Britain’s team for the Davis Cup Finals due to a shoulder injury.

Britain is set to face Serbia, led by 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, in the quarter-finals on 23 November.

“I’ve picked up a minor shoulder injury which means I won’t be able to take part in the Davis Cup,” said 36-year-old Murray.

“I’m gutted not to be part of the squad but my focus is now on rehab and getting ready for the new season.”

Regarding other injuries, Dan Evans has also recently withdrawn from the GB team because of a calf injury.

He was replaced by Joe Salisbury, with Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, and Neal Skupski as the other members of the squad.

Captain Leon Smith has until Monday to confirm a replacement, but the line-up is expected to be Draper and Norrie in the singles, with Skupski and Salisbury as the doubles team.

Britain’s Davis Cup ties will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

The other quarterfinals will be played between 21 and 26 November.

Analysis

Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent

Captain Leon Smith has lost his element of surprise and the chance to keep Serbia guessing about the make-up of the British team.

Liam Broady would be the obvious addition to the squad and is likely to be called up given the risk of injury to either Jack Draper or Cameron Norrie.

But they are extremely likely to play singles and the doubles team is now locked in as neither Dan Evans nor Andy Murray are available.

It is possible that Murray could still be in Malaga for part of the week. It will depend on his rehab, but his presence as a tactician and motivator would be very valuable.

Murray may not have played anyway, but it will be tough for him to sit on the sidelines as we wonder whether we will ever see him in a GB Davis Cup shirt again.