RIO DE JANEIRO, June 11 — England forward Danny Welbeck is a doubt for his side’s opening World Cup game against Italy on Saturday due to injury, according to British media reports yesterday.

Several newspapers reported that the Manchester United player was forced to limp out of a training session at England’s Urca training base in Rio de Janeiro, having taken to the field with his right thigh heavily strapped.

Welbeck, 23, started two of England’s three pre-tournament warm-up games and was in contention to start the Group D opener against Cesare Prandelli’s Italy in Manaus.

His absence would potentially open the door for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.

The 19-year-old missed England’s 0-0 draw with Honduras on Saturday after being sent off in their previous game against Ecuador, but he has impressed England coach Roy Hodgson with his performances in training. — AFP