England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is in danger of missing Euro 2024 with the elbow injury that saw him withdraw from the current squad.
The Crystal Palace shot-stopper is seeing a specialist to determine the extent of problem.
Surgery is not being ruled out and if Johnstone requires a procedure he will almost certainly miss the European Championships.
Mail Sport understands Johnstone was not carrying the injury when he reported for duty last Tuesday afternoon.
Indeed, Johnstone was under consideration to play some part against Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Sam Johnstone could yet be sidelined from this summer’s European Championship after withdrawing from the England squad on Sunday
The Crystal Palace goalkeeper will see a specialist before deciding whether to have surgery
But instead, as Mail Sport first revealed on Monday morning, he is facing major uncertainty over whether he will even play again this season.
England confirmed on Sunday night that Johnstone was one of a trio of pull-outs, including Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker, ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Belgium at Wembley.
The Football Association did not confirm the nature or extent of the injuries at the time; only that all three players would be returning to their respective clubs.
On Sunday night there was hope at Palace that Johnstone’s elbow injury wasn’t serious following initial discussions.
But after further talks on Monday, it has emerged the problem is worse than first feared.
The news arrives as a huge blow to Crystal Palace boss Olivier Glasner, who had made Johnstone his No 1 since arriving as Roy Hodgson’s replacement. Dean Henderson is set to deputise in Johnstone’s absence.
Johnstone had stepped up at Crystal Palace under new manager Olivier Glasner of late
Gareth Southgate had been considering giving Johnstone a role in England’s tie with Belgium
In his place, Southgate has promoted Burnley shotstopper James Trafford from the Under 21s
But it arrives as a bigger blow to Johnstone, particularly if it means he misses the Euros.
England boss Gareth Southgate already has a major problem in regards to his understudies for Jordan Pickford, who will start Euro 2024 as England’s No 1.
Johnstone was emerging as a serious contender to go to Germany as Pickford’s back-up, particularly given Aaron Ramsdale is not playing at Arsenal and Nick Pope’s long-term injury at Newcastle.
Southgate promoted Burnley keeper James Trafford into his squad on Sunday to replace Johnstone, while Jack Butland could be an option if Johnstone fails to prove his fitness.
