Two-time world and 2004 Olympic 400m champion Jeremy Wariner, of the US, will miss the World Championships later this month in Daegu, South Korea, with a season-ending foot injury.

USA Track and Field said Wariner had pulled out of a meet this weekend in London because of a foot injury, and coach Clyde Hart told reporters that doctors have advised Wariner to rest for two months.

Hart said Wariner has ligament damage in the second toe of his left foot, saying the injury prevents the 27-year-old from pushing off with his foot the way he must in a race.

The injury spoils a long-anticipated showdown between Wariner and reigning world champion LaShawn Merritt, who returned last week after a 21-month doping ban.

Merritt’s 2009 world title booked him a spot at the worlds.

Wariner does not want to risk further injury that might jeopardise the 2012 Olympic season, Hart said.