Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry will see a specialist this week about his ankle injury but it is not thought that problem is serious enough to keep him out of the World Cup (11/2 England – World Cup 2010 outright).

Barry was forced to come off during the second half of City’s crucial top-four clash with Tottenham on Wednesday night.

There were initial concerns that Barry may be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with the World Cup looming later this month.

With Fabio Capello watching on from the stands, the former Aston Villa man was forced to limp off, leaving worried faces on the City bench and amongst England supporters.

The 29-year-old is seen as an almost certain inclusion in the 23-man party to go to South Africa and Capello will now be anxiously awaiting news of his scan.

Reports claim Barry has just suffered a sprained ankle but England officials will not know the full extent of the injury until the results of the scan are revealed, although he is definitely out of Sunday’s game at West Ham (West Ham 3/1, City 3/4 – match betting).

England will announce a 30-man provisional squad on Tuesday (May 11), with the final selection to be made by June 1.

City manager Roberto Mancini claimed on Wednesday night that the damage was “not too serious”, although he admitted it would require further tests for a full diagnosis to be confirmed.

Capello has always stated that he would want no doubts over a player’s fitness if he was to select them for this summer’s tournament in South Africa and any injuries at this stage would put a major question mark over the player’s availability.

Meanwhile, the Italian will have been impressed by another top-class performance from Tottenham defender Ledley King, who now looks a good bet to make the squad.

Harry Redknapp revealed this week that Capello had been in touch with regards King’s fitness, but two games in four days have indicated he could feature at the World Cup.

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