England defender Kyle Walker could see his World Cup hopes ruined by surgery on a pelvic problem.

Walker has been playing through the pain for Tottenham but pulled out of the England squad to play Denmark on March 5.

Risk: Kyle Walker has been playing through the pain barrier for Tottenham

With the World Cup in Brazil three months away, Walker will do everything he can to avoid an operation.

Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood has expressed his concern that the right-back may make the injury worse then face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Sherwood says he will hold talks with his club's medical staff over what action to take.

If they decide Walker needs surgery that will come as a major blow to England manager Roy Hodgson, who looked certain to include Walker in his final squad of 23.

Hodgson has already said he will not gamble over players' fitness in his squad for Brazil.

Sherwood said: 'The medical team are assessing him and just making sure they can get him through this period. The boy wants to soldier on and play through it.

'I've had the problem myself. It's nagging and it's always in the back of your mind.'

Walker will face a late fitness test before the north London derby against Arsenal at White Hart Lane.

Fear: Walker knows an operation could wreck his World Cup hopes

Concern: Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood will consult medical staff

No risks: England boss Roy Hodgson