Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to replace the injured Tino Livramento in England’s World Cup squad.
Livramento’s injury is an early blow for Thomas Tuchel’s preparations for the tournament, coming just one day before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia in Dallas.
Tuchel can replace Newcastle full-back Livramento in the squad with a deadline of 9pm (BST) on Tuesday – 24 hours before England’s first game of the tournament – and Chelsea defender Chalobah is on his way to the United States.
Chalobah is not expected to be involved against Croatia, but will be available for subsequent group matches against Ghana and Panama.
Livramento, 23, who can play at right back or left back, was seen as a back-up option for Reece James and Nico O’Reilly, who are set to start against Croatia.
Nonetheless, losing Livramento’s versatility ahead of the biggest World Cup ever will be tough for Tuchel to take. Other options at wing back already in the squad include Jarrell Quansah, Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence. Centre back Dan Burn can also fill in at left back.
As for who takes Livramento’s place in the 26-man squad, Chalobah is seen as likely to step in over Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has not made a Tuchel squad since last summer.
Fifa regulations state that a player can be replaced in the 26-man squad up to 24 hours before that side’s first game of the tournament, but only from the 55-man “provisional” list submitted before the tournament.
For Livramento, it is a hammer blow. The World Cup was his first major tournament call-up and the defender has five caps to his name. He also came on in England’s warm-up win against New Zealand 10 days ago.
