The 31-year-old Kenyan, who triumphed in 2005, 2007 and 2008, will miss the April 25 race with a right-leg problem.

Lel withdrew from the 2009 race at the last moment with a right hip injury and was also forced to miss the world athletics championships in Berlin last August and November's New York Marathon.

"It is very disappointing to lose Martin for the second year in a row," race director Dave Bedford said in a statement.

"He is one of the greatest marathon runners in the world and one of our great champions. We look forward to welcoming him back next year."

In Lel's absence his compatriots Sammy Wanjiru, the London and Olympic champion, and world champion Abel Kirui are likely to fight it out for victory with world half-marathon record holder Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea.