The 11-time Paralympic gold medallist Roberts has been forced to pull out of the prestigious event due to a tricep tear and compression of the ulna nerve following a training accident, while seven-time Paralympic champion Kindred has been advised to take the time to heal and recover from on-going back problem after a series of MRI scans.

National performance director John Atkinson admitted that the double withdrawal is a huge loss ahead of the event but that no risks can be taken with the London 2012 Paralympics now looming on the horizon.

"While 2011 is an important year for the programme, the main goal for this four year cycle is London next year," he said.

"British Swimming is now ensuring that both athletes have a personalised strategy in place to make speedy recoveries so that they can commence training at the start of next season in order to fully prepare and achieve their goals for the London Paralympics."

But both swimmers have admitted it is a big blow to not be competing in Berlin.

"I am massively disappointed to be missing the European Championships due to injury, after such an unfortunate accident whilst training," said 33-year-old Roberts.

"It was the final chance to test myself against the best in the world in Germany before the London Paralympic Games.

"Everything now points towards preparing meticulously with my coach Peter Key for London 2012.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to compete at a home Paralympic Games and for me, personally, I'm aiming to win my 12th Paralympic Gold, which would be a dream come true."

Kindred, who was actually born in Germany before moving to Britain at the age of three, added: "I am obviously really disappointed not to be able to attend the Europeans but I feel that with my on-going back problem competing at such a high level would have been detrimental for my recovery and my focus now will be on London 2012."

Britain's charge at the Championships will be led by 16-year-old Ellie Simmonds, from Walsall, who will be looking to retain the five titles she won in Iceland in 2009.

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