England defender Jarell Quansah will miss Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, and the last four should the Three Lions progress, after being handed a two-game ban by FIFA.
Quansah was shown a straight red card against Mexico in the last 16, but only after a VAR review.
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The absence of the Bayer Leverkusen man adds an extra headache to Thomas Tuchel’s selection at right-back.
Chelsea captain Reece James has missed the last three games after picking up a hamstring injury and is the only natural right-back in Tuchel’s squad.
Djed Spence and Quansah have deputised at right-back, but both have struggled.
James remains a doubt for the last eight after missing training on Wednesday. Ezri Konsa was forced to move to right-back for the final half hour of England’s dogged display to win in Mexico and could start there with John Stones coming into central defence.
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The English Football Association has reportedly been exploring options to appeal Quansah’s suspension after USA striker Folarin Balogun’s ban was controversially suspended by FIFA.
Balogun was cleared to play in the States’ 4-1 defeat to Belgium following a call by US President Donald Trump to football’s global governing body.
“Where does this start and where does this end now? Can we overturn it or not overturn it? What’s going on?” Tuchel said after victory in Mexico City.
“Where to draw the line is the question that I ask?”
However, England cannot appeal the decision which has reportedly left Tuchel infuriated.
“England cannot appeal against Jarrel Quansah’s two match ban under FIFA rules, but I understand Thomas Tuchel is furious at the decision,” Sky Sports football correspondent Rob Dorsett tweeted. “He asked FA officials to lodge their dissatisfaction to FIFA’s disciplinary committee in the strongest terms.”