The Three Lions welcome Slovenia to Wembley next week for a World Cup qualifier that is swiftly followed by a trip to the Baltics to take on Lithuania.

England's place in Russia is all but assured given they have a five-point cushion at the top of Group F, but Southgate may have to deal without Alli for the end of qualification -- and even beyond.

FIFA has confirmed that its disciplinary committee will decide by Thursday what, if any, punishment the Tottenham midfielder faces for raising his middle finger during the qualifier against Slovakia.

Alli could be hit with a ban and-or a fine for September's incident, with a lengthy suspension meaning the 21-year-old could potentially even miss the start of the World Cup next summer.

A shorter ban would impact October's qualifiers, but sources have said Southgate intends to name the midfielder in his squad on Thursday.

Alli's involvement would depend on FIFA's decision, but with World Cup preparation time at a premium it would allow him to be part of the group, if only for a short while.

The Tottenham midfielder and FA are hoping that some leniency is shown by world football's governing body.

Video evidence has been submitted along with written statements in a bid to back-up their argument that Alli's ill-judged gesture was aimed at teammate Kyle Walker rather than the officials or any Slovakia player.

The FA is hoping to get wind of the decision before Southgate announces his squad on Thursday.

But a FIFA spokesperson said earlier in the week that "disciplinary decisions are usually notified and communicated a few days after the hearing''.

Alli's availability is an unwanted complication ahead of Thursday's squad announcement at St George's Park, where the England boss will be unable to call upon highly-rated Nathaniel Chalobah again.

The Watford midfielder was in line for his England debut having been involved in the squad for the first time last month, but the 22-year-old has had to undergo surgery on a knee injury sustained in training.

The club's performance director Gavin Benjafield expects to see Chalobah "re-integrating into the squad well before the New Year,'' although the injury has thrown a season that could end at the World Cup off kilter.

That injury, along with Alli's potential ban, narrows England's midfield options, with Adam Lallana, the country's reigning player of the year, and Danny Drinkwater also both out through injury.

James Ward-Prowse has only started two Premier League games for Southampton this season but Southgate may turn to his former under-21 captain, who was given his international debut against Germany in March.

Saints teammate Nathan Redmond, who also made his bow in Dortmund, is pushing for a place in the squad, as is West Ham's Michail Antonio if he can overcome a groin complaint.

Leicester defender Harry Maguire impressed behind the scenes in the previous meet-up and is likely to receive a second call-up, but Everton centre-back Michael Keane is a doubt with a foot issue.

Nathaniel Clyne and Danny Rose remain unavailable at full-back, while Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has only played 45 minutes since returning from ligament damage in his foot.

Arsene Wenger says Danny Welbeck's groin injury will keep him out until after the international break, while Arsenal teammate Theo Walcott will be hoping for a recall. Jack Wilshere only has one substitute appearance and a solitary start under his belt for the Gunners this term.

Burnley's Tom Heaton has undergone surgery on his dislocated left shoulder, but Southgate named four goalkeepers in the last meet-up so Joe Hart, Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland are set to retain their place. Fraser Forster is the main contender if Southgate plumps for four again.