World Cup 2014: England's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain given time to prove fitness after initial scans

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain faces a race to be fit for England's opening World Cup match against Italy after scans revealed his knee injury is not as bad as first feared.

The 20-year-old limped off during the second half of yesterday's 2-2 friendly draw against Ecuador here in Miami following a heavy collision with Carlos Gruezo.

Manager Roy Hodgson admitted afterwards there were concerns the Arsenal midfielder had suffered ligament damage but it is believed that a scan has shown only a strain.

The initial prognosis is that Oxlade-Chamberlain will require two to three weeks to recover and he will be closely monitored by England's medical staff having reported for a warm down session today in a knee brace.

Hodgson has until 24 hours before England's first game to call up a replacement and is keen to give Oxlade-Chamberlain as much time as possible to prove his fitness.