Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to England’s FIFA World Cup squad after Tino Livramento was sent home with an injury.
Livramento’s tournament is over before it even started due to a calf injury that is expected to keep him out of action for up to six weeks.
The Newcastle United right-back was a risky pick by Thomas Tuchel given his injury problems throughout last season. He was selected ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold despite missing several months with thigh and hamstring problems.
Chelsea star Trevoh Chalobah called up as England dealt injury blow
The FA confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Chalobah will replace Livramento in the 26-man squad, which is currently based in Kansas City, Missouri.
The 26-year-old, who scored three goals in 34 Premier League appearances for the Blues last term, can play at centre-back and right-back.
National teams are able to replace injured members of their squad up to 24 hours before their opening match in the World Cup. England face Group L rivals Croatia in their first game of the tournament on Thursday, with kickoff set for 9pm BST.
Meanwhile, Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka says he will keep gambling with his fitness to help England succeed at the World Cup.
The right winger has been carrying an Achilles injury since mid-March, forcing to miss most of the Gunners’ run-in on their way to winning the Premier League title.
Tuchel has said that Saka needs to be managed carefully and it is “very unlikely” would “start and finish” every match at the World Cup. But the 24-year-old says he is “ready to go” for the Croatia game in Dallas.
“I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager,” Saka said.
“What I would say is that between Mikel [Arteta] and the Arsenal medical team and Thomas [Tuchel] and the England medical team, since March they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team.
“I’m feeling better than I have felt in the last few months and I’m ready to go.”
Saka received criticism for his performance in the Champions League final against PSG when he wasn’t fully fit. He added: “I’m happy to take that gamble and it paid off I’d say, and I’m going to continue doing that – but like I said I’m feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go, so I’m excited.”
