England's national soccer team player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (C) smiles as he and teammates attend their final practice one day before the match against Uruguay, in Sao Paulo June 18, 2014.
England's national soccer team player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (C) smiles as he and teammates attend their final practice one day before the match against Uruguay, in Sao Paulo June 18, 2014. REUTERS

England will be facing Uruguay once again without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a crucial match in Group D that could very well decide the teams’ fate in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Oxlade-Chamberlain missed the Saturday’s opener against Italy because of a knee injury and will be out again in for the Three Lions versus La Celeste on Thursday.

He suffered the injury in a friendly match against Ecuador last June 4.

“He’s not in contention for tomorrow, but he will take part in the next full training session,” promised England manager Roy Hodgson via SBS.COM. "Fortunately for us, his injury has responded very well to treatment."

After the date with Uruguay on Thursday, England takes on Costa Rica in their final match in the group stages.

"It would be much better if he uses the four days after this game and before the Costa Rica game to train with the team," added Hodgson said of Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has had 3 goals in 15 caps for the national team.

England lost to Italy, 2-1 while Uruguay fell to Costa Rica, 3-1 in their opening matches. A loss Wednesday will give either team the boot from this tournament.

No other injuries were reported for England hours before the match against Uruguay.