England manager Thomas Tuchel has already confirmed that Tino Libramento will withdraw from the tournament, while Reece James and Jarrell Quansah are recovering from injuries.
England manager Thomas Tuchel faces headache over last 32 selection
Thomas Tuchel is facing an injury nightmare ahead of England’s match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which clinched a place in the World Cup finals.
England manager Tuchel admitted he faces a “race” against time before Jarrell Quansah and Reece James play in Atlanta on Wednesday.
James is expected to miss that game but hopes to play in the second half of England’s match against Mexico in Mexico City on July 5 with a chance of progressing to the last 16.
Quansah is the latest victim of the right back curse after limping off with an ankle injury against Panama and is likely to be unfit for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, although Quansah walked normally after the match, James was absent, Tino Libramento returned home due to injury before the tournament, and his replacement, Trevo Chalobah, is not a full-back, which caused another headache.
Charova can play at right-back and is another option, but he is not a specialist, so hopes that James, who has been dealing with hamstring issues, could be fit by next weekend are boosted by his trip to New Jersey with the rest of the squad.
There is also a possibility that Ezri Konsa will be moved to right-back, with John Stones returning to central defence, having been left out of the starting XI for the last two games.
Jarrell Quansah limped off with an ankle injury against Panama (Image: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Asked about Quansah’s injury, Tuchel said: “It’s a typical ankle sprain, he’s in pain. He said he’s had it before, but it’s just a matter of a few days. His leg is high and in the ice.”
Tuchel, who has been criticized for not selecting Trent Alexander-Arnold in his squad, admitted that the right-back position was a major concern, but insisted he would find a way to address it.
Asked if he was worried, Tuchel said: “Of course, we have another injury in this position. It’s going to be a tough race for Reece James, it’s going to be a tough race for Jarrell Quansah, but it’s our job to find a solution and that’s what we’re going to do.”
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