Jadon Sancho looks set to miss the latter stages of the Under-17 World Cup should England qualify after the Three Lions could only secure his release from Borussia Dortmund for the group matches.
Sancho, 17, joined the Bundesliga leaders from Manchester City for a reported €7 million on the final day of the summer transfer window.
His playing registration has only just come through to make him eligible for the Bundesliga, but the attacking midfielder has already impressed for Dortmund's reserves and youth team, including a UEFA Youth League win over Real Madrid last week.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc confirmed that the London-born teenager will only be available for England's three group games.
"Subsequently, Jadon will return to us," he is quoted as saying by kicker.
The Under-17 World Cup, which will be held in India, begins on Friday and runs through to Oct. 28.
Sancho did not arrive with the rest of the England squad in Kolkota on Tuesday, but is expected to join the party in time for their group opener against Chile on Oct. 8.
England play all their three group matches in Kolkota, beginning against Chile, before facing Mexico three days later. The Three Lions end their group-stage involvement against Iraq on Oct. 14 at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Sancho travelled with the BVB squad for the first time in the Bundesliga last weekend, but did not feature in the 2-1 victory at Augsburg as Dortmund moved five points clear of Bayern Munich.
Zorc has described Sancho as "a huge talent and one of the biggest talents of his age group in England."