Thomas Tuchel is facing an injury crisis that could disrupt his World Cup preparations. Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon is a big doubt and could be ruled out when England are called up for back-to-back games against Serbia and Albania on Tuesday.
Gordon was absent from Newcastle’s defeat to Brentford on Sunday and Tuchel is unlikely to bring in a substitute for the final two qualifying games, given England have secured qualification for next summer’s tournament in America. The team already boasts a wide range of options.
Fellow Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope was also injured on Sunday and his absence will be a major setback as the gathering could have paved the way for a return to the England squad.
Tuchel will need to call up another goalkeeper for Thursday’s game against Serbia and next Sunday’s trip to Albania.
Pope was given the opportunity as Manchester City’s James Trafford was not included in the squad due to limited game time. Coach Tuchel sees this camp as a great opportunity for his players to stake a claim for a place in the World Cup squad.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is expected to miss this time out after sustaining a foot injury in his team’s UEFA Conference League game against AZ Alkmaar, leaving him wearing a protective surgical boot. However, Guehi is expected to return to Palace after the international break.
Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah was not included in the original squad despite being fit again, but could be a potential option as he is a favorite of Tuchel since their time together at Stamford Bridge.
Chalobah made his England debut against Senegal in June but has since struggled for fitness and game time.
Tuchel has expressed a desire to explore different players in the squad, which led to Bournemouth’s Alex Scott receiving his first first-team call-up.
Tuchel also stressed the importance of maintaining a high level of competition as these are the last two competitive games before the squad is announced for next summer’s World Cup.
Despite Gordon’s inconsistent performances at Newcastle, he has produced some impressive performances in recent games, including last month’s 5-0 win over Latvia.
But Marcus Rashford may have a chance to prove his worth after Tuchel challenged him last month to translate his training performances into a match situation to prove his world-class ability.
