Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon could be back in action before the end of the month after picking up a knee injury at Chelsea on Monday night.
There were fears Gordon's knee injury could be serious after the 23-year-old winced in pain upon being assessed by the club physio and forced off at Stamford Bridge. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe even admitted the injury 'did not look good'.
But it looks like a case of days or weeks rather than months for the England hopeful, who has been walking freely without the aid of crutches or a knee support. According to Mail Online, England have contacted Newcastle for information regarding Gordon's injury as the winger closes in on his first Three Lions call-up.
Saturday's FA Cup trip to Manchester City (5:30pm kick-off) may come too soon for Gordon. The winger has scored 10 times and missed just one game for Newcastle this season, the trip to West Ham United back in October due to suspension.
But he could be back involved when Newcastle welcome The Hammers to St James' Park at the end of the month, providing he suffers no set-backs with his injury.
Before that, Gordon could be handed his first England call-up for the friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley Stadium. That will depend on England being satisfied with the injury report received from Newcastle ahead of Gareth Southgate's squad being announced at 2pm on Thursday.
In addition to Gordon, Tino Livramento could also be handed his first England call-up following an injury to Kieran Trippier.
1. Matt Targett (achilles)
Targett has been missing since picking up a hamstring injury against Man Utd back in November. He has featured on the bench in their last couple of outings before dropping out v West Ham and Everton in what is understood to be a minor setback in his recovery. Expected return: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - 13/04
2. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves with a calf injury. He has since been ruled out for over a month. Set for another couple of weeks out at least. Expected return: Crystal Palace (A) - 24/04
3. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and required surgery. Eddie Howe has said the goalkeeper is still a number of weeks away and isn't expected back until 'late April'. Expected return: Sheffield United (H) - 27/04
4. Tino Livramento (ankle)
Livramento picked up a twisted ankle injury at Chelsea which ruled him out for the Manchester City trip. He returned against West Ham United before suffering another ankle injury which will keep him out for another couple of weeks. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05