Kyle Walker has revealed that he is unlikely to take part in England's opening Group B fixture at the 2022 World Cup against Iran next Monday.
The 32-year-old Manchester City right-back was a major doubt for the tournament in Qatar after undergoing groin surgery at the beginning of October.
However, manager Gareth Southgate has included Walker in his 26-man squad and the experienced defender has been pictured training with the first team at the Al Wakrah Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Shortly after confirming his final World Cup squad last week, Southgate stated that Walker would be "available before the end of the group stage".
Walker – a 70-cap international – has since revealed that the Iran fixture may come too soon for him, and he is now targeting a return for England's second Group B game against USA.
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Speaking to ITV Football, Walker said: "I think probably the first game is too short, but from then onwards I will be good and ready to go.
"It was an operation I had and it was touch and go, but that's full credit to the physios here and also at Man City for getting me back fit and healthy.
"I was never worried. I always have to believe in myself. As soon as the professor said I needed the surgery, I was very confident that I made sure I prepared right, on and off the field, and did the right things correctly and moving forward I knew I would be alright."
Walker is not the only Three Lions star who has been troubled with injury heading to Qatar, as his Man City teammate Kalvin Phillips has also faced his battle to recover in time for the group stage.
Phillips – who has missed the majority of the 2022-23 campaign due to a shoulder injury – was also seen training with Walker and the rest of the England squad, as was Leicester City's James Maddison who has managed to shake off an injury scare of his own.
Maddison was forced off with a knee problem shortly after scoring in Leicester's 2-0 Premier League win over West Ham United last weekend, but the playmaker is "hopeful" he can be available for selection next Monday.
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Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, via Sky Sports News, Maddison said: "I've got to be ready when called upon. I feel like I'm in good form, in good goal-scoring form, we've got such a brilliant squad, you might only get that one moment to show everyone what you can do and be the man to help the team. I'll be ready when that opportunity comes.
"We had a scan the day before we met up which was a positive scan. I had a little problem in the week building up to the West Ham game, post-Everton game. I wanted to play (against West Ham). I didn't want to not give it a go because of the World Cup. I wanted to help Leicester.
"I managed to score early and carry on after that. It was a bit sore and getting worse as the game went on. I thought it was probably best for me to come off and get someone else on who wouldn't have a problem with a full sprint. I have to do a little bit of work to get up to speed with the physios here but it should be no concern.
"There might be a little bit of separate, extra work to make sure that's right and not a problem because I want to be 100% if called upon. I'm hopeful I'll be fine."
Maddison will be hoping to receive just his second international cap when England take on Iran – ranked 20th in the world by FIFA – at the Khalifa International Stadium next Monday.
Oliver Thomas
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