Declan Rice is expected to be fit enough to start England’s World Cup last-32 tie against DR Congo on Wednesday.
The Arsenal midfielder was rested for England’s 2-0 victory over Panama after taking a heavy blow to his calf during last Tuesday’s goalless draw with Ghana.
Rice, 27, was unable to complete England’s full training programme before the Panama match, but he did return for the squad’s final session before they travelled to New Jersey.
In his absence, Thomas Tuchel selected Elliot Anderson alongside Jude Bellingham in midfield.
However, the England manager is hopeful Rice will be ready to return to the starting line-up for the knockout fixture in Atlanta.
While Rice’s situation appears positive, Tuchel still has concerns at right-back.
Reece James missed the Panama win after suffering a hamstring injury against Ghana.
Although he has not been completely ruled out of the DR Congo match, his comeback is more likely to come later in the tournament.
Jarell Quansah, who replaced James at right-back against Panama, is also a serious doubt after picking up an ankle injury.
England’s medical staff will assess him over the next 48 hours, but Tuchel has admitted it will be “very tight” for the Bayer Leverkusen defender to recover in time.
The injuries leave England short of options on the right side of defence, especially after Tino Livramento withdrew from the squad before the tournament with a calf problem.
Djed Spence came on for Quansah against Panama and now appears the most likely option to start against DR Congo if James and Quansah are unavailable.
Tuchel could also move Ezri Konsa across from centre-back to cover the position.
