England will assess Declan Rice before their final World Cup group game against Panama after the Arsenal midfielder showed signs of discomfort following the draw with Ghana.
Rice was seen leaving Boston Stadium with heavy strapping on his left calf after England were held to a goalless draw on Tuesday.
The issue is not currently believed to be a major long-term concern, but England’s medical staff will monitor him closely before deciding whether he should feature this weekend.
Thomas Tuchel must now weigh up the risk of using one of his most important midfielders with qualification still not completely settled.
Rice has started both of England’s Group L matches so far and remains central to the balance of Tuchel’s side.
The Arsenal star was also substituted during the opening 4-2 win over Croatia after feeling nerve pain around his hamstring.
He later explained that the discomfort was linked to an issue he had been managing since the second half of Arsenal’s title-winning season.
The latest calf concern has added another layer to an already delicate fitness situation.
Sources have indicated there is no major fear that Rice’s tournament is in danger, but the midfielder is expected to need assessment and rest before a final call is made.
England face Panama in New Jersey on Saturday knowing victory would secure their place in the knockout stages and could determine whether they top the group.
That leaves Tuchel with an important decision.
Resting Rice would reduce the risk of aggravating any problem before the last 32, but England may still feel they need his control, leadership and defensive security from the start.
Rice was one of Mikel Arteta’s most influential players last season as Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
His workload was enormous for club and country, and he has already admitted that players often have to put their bodies on the line during major moments.
Rice has repeatedly shown that he is willing to play through pain, but England will be wary of pushing him too far too soon.
Tuchel is also assessing Reece James after the Chelsea captain completed the full match against Ghana.
The hope is that Rice’s calf strapping was precautionary rather than a sign of a more serious issue.
With the knockout stages approaching, both England and Arsenal will want Rice protected as carefully as possible.