Dele Alli has handed England a World Cup injury headache, with scans revealing that the midfielder has suffered “a slight thigh strain”.
The Tottenham star headed to Russia with high hopes of playing a leading role for the Three Lions on the grandest of stages.
He was given a starting berth in their opening encounter with Tunisia, but picked up a knock which impacted on his ability to hit the heights expected of him.
Alli was able to complete 80 minutes of a dramatic 2-1 win, but was clearly struggling when making his way from the field.
He told reporters afterwards: “Hopefully I am OK. It's my quad.”
England boss Gareth Southgate added: "We had to keep monitoring Dele, he was feeling a little bit of an issue just before half-time, but he felt he could carry on and I thought the runs that he was making and the way he was pressing the ball was still causing a problem.”
It was later confirmed that Alli was to undergo medical tests in an effort to determine the full severity of his ailment.
Those scans have identified a strain, with the 22-year-old set to be closely monitored ahead of England’s next outing against Panama on Sunday.
An update from the #ThreeLions camp: @dele_official underwent a scan today, revealing a slight thigh strain.
— England (@England) June 19, 2018
The issue will be managed over the coming days. pic.twitter.com/N125T4KIld
Southgate may have decided to make changes next time out any way, with England having made the winning start they were so desperate for.
Harry’s Kane brace earned them three points against Tunisia and another victory over Panama could see the Three Lions through to the last-16 – with Belgium facing Tunisia earlier in the day.
If Alli is not required, then he will be given the chance to rest and recuperate ahead of bigger tests to come.