Thomas Tuchel is facing a mounting injury crisis ahead of England's World Cup knockout showdown with DR Congo. The England manager has admitted that both Jarrel Quansah and Reece James are in a desperate 'race' against time to be available for Wednesday's clash in Atlanta.
James looks set to sit out that fixture, though he remains hopeful of returning for the later stages, with England potentially facing a last-16 tie against Mexico in Mexico City on July 5. Quansah became the latest casualty of the right-back curse after limping off during the victory over Panama with an ankle injury, leaving him unlikely to feature against DR Congo.
Despite being seen walking unaided after the match, Quansah's setback represents yet another headache for Tuchel, with James already sidelined, Tino Livramento having left before the tournament started through injury, and his replacement Trevoh Chalobah not a natural full-back. Chalobah remains an option at right-back, albeit not as a specialist, while the prospect of James recovering in time for next weekend offers some encouragement following his hamstring problem.
Tuchel could also deploy Ezri Konsa at right-back, with John Stones pushing for a recall to central defence having been left out of the starting XI for the previous two matches. Asked about Quansah's condition, Tuchel said: 'Classic ankle twist and he is in pain. He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.'
Tuchel, who has faced criticism for leaving Trent Alexander-Arnold out of his squad, conceded that the right-back position is a significant worry. Pressed on whether he harboured concerns, Tuchel said: 'Naturally. Of course, we have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do.'
Meanwhile, Tuchel was keen to stress that Stones is in full fitness and that his recent lack of match time is no cause for alarm. He revealed that Konsa and Marc Guehi are developing a strong partnership, adding: 'Yeah, for sure. Why not? He was even in consideration to start, but then it would have been the third change in the central defence in the third match, and I thought I'd stick with the pair because I saw them good against Ghana and I saw them good against Panama.'
