England boss Thomas Tuchel has added Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White to his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Last week, the in-form midfielder was a notable absentee as Tuchel selected his first Three Lions group ahead of the games with Albania and Latvia.
However, there was always a chance that the squad could be altered with a round of Premier League fixtures and the EFL Cup final to be played across the weekend.
When the starting lineups were named for Chelsea‘s fixture at Arsenal, Cole Palmer was not included in the squad, a consequence of a hamstring injury sustained in training on Saturday.
After the contest at the Emirates Stadium, head coach Enzo Maresca revealed that Palmer would undergo a scan on Monday and would likely require a couple of weeks on the sidelines.
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Tuchel brings in Gibbs-White
While Palmer’s withdrawal is yet to be formally confirmed, Tuchel has acted by handing a reprieve to a player who would have likely felt aggrieved at his initial non-selection.
The 25-year-old has played a starring role as Forest challenge for Champions League qualification against the odds, contributing five goals and seven assists from his 25 Premier League starts.
Gibbs-White made two substitute outings in the UEFA Nations League campaign under interim boss Lee Carsley earlier in the campaign, yet his recent performances seemingly failed to convince Tuchel the first time around.
He will now join a 26-player squad for the upcoming double-header, Albania the first opponents on Friday before Latvia also travel to Wembley Stadium three days later.
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Can Gibbs-White expect game time?
Having not featured in the formal selection that was made on Friday, Gibbs-White will not have high hopes for a start against Albania.
There are a number of players who Tuchel seemingly views ahead of him for a potential number-10 role, depending on what formation is used by the German.
Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers and Phil Foden are a quartet who may get the nod instead, and it remains to be seen whether Tuchel will favour familiarity in selection or an opportunity to use as many players as possible in his opening two games.
Nevertheless, Gibbs-White will have a chance to prove himself through his application in training at the very least, something which may ultimately make a lasting impression on the new national team head coach.
