EUROPEAN champion Beth Tweddle will not attempt to defend her title in Brussels, next month, as she recovers from minor knee surgery.

The six-time European gold-medal winner underwent keyhole surgery and has withdrawn from the selection process as a precautionary measure ahead of the London Olympics.

Five senior and five junior women have been selected to represent Great Britain at the championships in Belgium between May 9 and 13 and they include British champion Hannah Whelan and three-time Commonwealth champion Imogen Cairns.

Fifteen-year old Rebecca Tunney makes her senior major championships debut to complete the line-up, but Tweddle will not be competing.

“I’m disappointed not to be in a position to attend the Europeans but also thankful that this gives me the opportunity to get myself fully fit and ready for the rest of the season, certainly it’s much better for this process to happen now rather than later in the year,” said Tweddle.

“I am very much still in the gym every day and will continue to work alongside the British Gymnastics medical team to ensure I manage my recovery.

“The line-up for the European Championship demonstrates the strength in depth that we have, and I’m sure the girls will do a great job in Brussels.”