England need a draw in Podgorica on Friday to book their place at next summer's European Championship finals. And Capello has decided they can achieve that mission without two men who have amassed a combined total of 167 caps.
Gerrard had already said he did not believe he was fit enough to be involved after only just recovering from a groin injury. However, Ferdinand was expected to be included after shaking off the hamstring strain he suffered at West Brom in August.
Jermain Defoe and Joleon Lescott have lost their places, with Bobby Zamora and Scott Carson recalled to a 24-man squad.
Zamora's only cap came in a friendly against Hungary in August last year, after which he was sidelined after suffering a broken leg the following month. He did return as a substitute for the June qualifier with Switzerland but did not play.
Now 30, Zamora was bizarrely cited by Capello as one of the young players on which England's future rested following their woeful World Cup performance.
It does seem he has an international future under the Italian, although the presence of Manchester United's Danny Welbeck in a five-strong striking line-up that also includes Aston Villa's Darren Bent provides stiff competition in the quest to partner Wayne Roone
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