UPDATE: Blake reassures fans after groin injury forces withdrawal from Rabat meet

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

RABAT, Morocco:

Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake is reassuring fans that he will be ready for next month's World Championships in London, England, after his withdrawal from tomorrow's IAAF Diamond League meet in Rabat. 

Blake was pulled from the meet after feeling pain in his groin during a training session on Friday for what is being described as precautionary measures. 

Addressing reporters at a press conference on Saturday, shortly after it was revealed that the 2011 World 100m champion would not take his lane in the men's 100m at the latest Diamond League stop, Blake explained what exactly led to the decision but underlined his belief that he will be ready in time to push for a medal at the August 3 - 14 World Championships. 

Blake said he felt tightness in the groin area during his training session but does not believe the situation is serious. He will be heading to Germany for assessment and treatment.

"After doing a few run throughs, I felt some discomfort in my groin and with the World Championships coming up I decided not to take any risk by competing at the meet tomorrow," said Blake, who only last season returned from a couple injury-plagued seasons to finish fourth in the 100m final at the Rio Olympics.

"I am very sorry to disappoint the fans but I am confident that I will be ready for the big show and I will still be going to Germany for some assessment to be made," added Blake.