England midfielder Gareth Barry is facing his World Cup D-day on Tuesday.
It had been thought the Manchester City player had an appointment with his specialist on Monday to assess his recovery from an ankle ligament injury that threatens his participation in the World Cup in South Africa.
Instead, Barry will undergo a rigorous set of tests with the England medical staff on Tuesday, with City counterparts on hand for their own input. The results will then be assessed to determine whether the 29-year-old has any chance of making the finals, which begin on June 11.
Fabio Capello has already stated that if Barry is likely to be fit for the opening Group C game against the United States in Rustenburg on June 12, he will be part of his 23-man Three Lions party that is announced on June 1.
However, if recovery from an innocuous-looking incident during City's home defeat by Tottenham on May 5 is not certain, Capello has a tricky decision to make.
The Italian has previously stated he will not select anyone who would not be capable of facing the United States.
That was before one of the normal members of his starting line-up was struck down.
"Barry is one of the players we want to be fit," said Capello.
"If he is fit, he will come with us. If not, he will stay at home."
Source: PA
