Liverpool supporter will be watching England’s World Cup injury situation closely after a familiar face was forced off during the Three Lions’ latest outing.
With the knockout rounds now looming, Thomas Tuchel is facing an increasingly worrying defensive situation after another member of his backline was forced off, adding to concerns that have already surrounded Reece James in recent days.
The former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah was unable to complete England’s 2-0 victory over Panama yesterday after suffering what appeared to be an ankle injury, leaving Tuchel sweating over the fitness of one of his defensive options with the Round of 32 just three days away.
The 23-year-old, who completed a move from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen last summer after emerging through the Reds’ academy, was making his first World Cup start when it was abruptly brought to an end.
Speaking after the match, Thomas Tuchel admitted England now face an anxious wait to discover whether Quansah can reover in time for the knockout clash against DR Congo.
“A 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.”
“Naturally of course [I am worried about the right-back situation] 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.”
Quansah had been filling in at right-back following the injury to Reece James, whose own World Cup camapign now appears to be hanging by a thread.
Reports suggest that the Chelsea captain is expected to miss at least the early knockout rounds with a hamstring injury and could even be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament should England enjoy a lengthy run.
The injuries leave Tuchel with an increasingly thin defensive unit at a crucial stage of the competition, particulalry after already losing Tino Livramento before the tournament began.
While Quansah is no longer at Anfield, Liverpool supporters will still be hoping to see their academy graduate make a swift recovery.
The Warrington-born defender spent more than 15 years at the club, progressing through every age group before breaking into the first-team under Jurgen Klopp.