Who should England pick to replace Ben Chilwell in their World Cup squad?
England manager Gareth Southgate has been rocked by the news that Ben Chilwell will almost certainly miss the World Cup because of a hamstring injury.
The left-back limped off in the dying embers of Chelsea's win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, with scans subsequently showing that the injury is 'significant' and one that will sideline him for the showpiece event in Qatar.
The question now is who will Southgate turn to in order to pad out his squad, having already been troubled by injuries to Reece James and Kyle Walker on the other flank.
Who could replace Ben Chilwell?
One player who might have been in line to replace Chilwell is Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters. A right-back by trade, he switched over to the opposite flank to good effect during 2021/22, owing to the emergence of Tino Livramento.
However, Walker-Peters has a hamstring injury of his own, and won't be ready to board the plane to Qatar and take Chilwell's spot.
Ryan Sessegnon
If England plan to play with wing-backs, as is expected, Tottenham's Ryan Sessegnon could be the player Southgate turns to.
He's been playing for the role for a year under Antonio Conte, and there's no harder taskmaster than the Italian perfectionist. Not the finished article yet, Sessegnon offers more of a threat going forward than he does in a defensive capacity, but is an option that will definitely be considered.
Dan Burn
There are few top teams around the world more in form than Newcastle right now. The Magpies are scoring goals for fun, picking up points with ease and are far more difficult to break down at the back.
One reason for that has been the brilliance of Dan Burn. Sure, he's not your typical full-back, standing 6'8, but he's done one hell of a job for Eddie Howe. A late bloomer, he could also play as a left centre-back should Southgate need to shift Harry Maguire over into the central role of a three.
James Justin
Leicester's turbulent start to the 2022/23 season would have you believe that James Justin is probably not in good form.
However, that couldn't be any further from the truth. The Foxes are solidifying at the back with each passing week, and Justin has been one of the better performers for Brendan Rodgers. He is playing as a left-back or left wing-back most weeks, and all areas of his game appear to be strong.
In truth, he'd have more England recognition by now had he not suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during 2020/21.
Tyrick Mitchell
If it's a more defensive-minded replacement that Southgate is seeking, look no further than Crystal Palace's Tyrick Mitchell.
He's already been capped under the Southgate regime and is continuing to impress under the guidance of Premier League legend Patrick Vieira. Perhaps not the most exciting player going forward, Mitchell does at least offer stability and the pathway for others to express themselves further forward.
What about Luke Shaw?
You might wonder why Luke Shaw isn't coming into the equation, but that's because the Manchester United star is already a dead-cert to be boarding the plane to Qatar.
He's fast becoming a banker to start for England too, with Kieran Trippier likely to be needed on the right flank because of Reece James' recent injury woes and Trent Alexander-Arnold's inability to impress Southgate.