Glen Johnson will be asked to play through the pain barrier for England tomorrow night - although Roy Hodgson has played down the full-back's injury problems.
Johnson was left out of the squad for the Three Lions' game in San Marino on Friday night but with a crunch World Cup qualifier against Montenegro coming up, he is likely to be back in the side.
Hodgson says Johnson could have been passed fit to face San Marino but keen not to aggravate a long-standing toe problem any further, the national team boss rested the 28-year-old.
England are hoping the Reds player's injury will heal without treatment but Hodgson says the former Chelsea man will be administered with an injection if necessary.
"In the Euros he had a slight toe problem which we had to look after," said Hodgson.
"All of a sudden it has occurred, although not to the same extent.
"There is no doubt he could have played (against San Marino). We could even have had him on the bench.
"But it would have meant an injection and I preferred to continue the treatment so he didn't have to put a boot on."
He added: "We hope it will get better in the next couple of days," said Hodgson.
"If it doesn't it might need an injection but there is no problem.
"It was just a precautionary measure because I felt we had enough players without taking any unnecessary risks."
Source: Liverpool Echo
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