Jamie Carragher is poised to make a dramatic return to international football and be included in Fabio Capello’s 30-strong provisional squad for next month’s World Cup finals.

The 32 year-old Liverpool central defender has reacted positively to the latest, and final, approach from Capello and appears set to reverse his decision to quit playing for England which was taken in July 2007 due to his frustration at a lack of opportunities, particularly under Steve McClaren.

Negotiations are at a delicate stage, not least because Carragher does not want to be regarded as someone who has piggybacked on to England’s campaign or is undeserving of inclusion. He is sensitive to a supporters’ backlash.

However Capello has consistently made it clear how highly he rates Carragher, for his mental toughness as well as his playing ability.

Nevertheless it would represent a remarkable turnaround for Carragher, who has steadfastly rejected previous attempts to change his mind, having cancelled meetings twice.

Following on from Capello’s decision to include Ledley King in his squad — which will be announced on Tuesday — it also demonstrates the single-minded nature of the England manager.

Capello was, however, dealt a severe blow with the expectation that Gareth Barry would miss the finals.

Manchester City estimated the midfielder’s recovery time from his twisted right ankle at three to four weeks, following a consultation with a specialist and an MRI scan, offering hope that the 29 year-old might be included.

However it is understood that the sprain, and the subsequent ligament damage, is much worse than first feared and that Barry may be out for seven to eight weeks, which would exclude him from the World Cup. Capello would not risk his inclusion.

Barry’s absence would appear to open the way for Tottenham Hotspur’s Tom Huddlestone to be included in Capello’s initial 30-strong selection and also the final 23 which will be named on June 1 following a training camp in Austria and two friendlies. The Spurs midfielder has enjoyed an impressive campaign.

Remarkably Capello has also not ruled out a recall for Owen Hargreaves even though the Manchester United midfielder has played less than one minute — against Sunderland last weekend — of first-team football in 20 months after a series of debilitating injuries.

If Hargreaves features against Stoke City on Sunday he may be considered simply because England are running out of options for players who can fulfil the holding role in midfield, a position which is pivotal to Capello’s plans.

It is understood that, despite his strong performances for West Ham United, Scott Parker is behind Huddlestone in the pecking order, not least because he does not have the same passing ability. Capello will watch Chelsea face Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, allowing him the opportunity to check on Ashley Cole’s fitness.

It will take an exceptional display from Joe Cole — should he feature — for the midfielder to now be included in the squad given his struggle to convince Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti that he should be a first-team regular. Capello’s right-hand man, and England’s general manager, Franco Baldini, will watch West Ham play Manchester City, which means he can run the rule over several candidates.

The indications are that City’s Adam Johnson, who only joined in January from Middlesbrough, has caught the eye and played his way into the squad. Capello has also not given up on Wayne Bridge, although the onus is on the full-back to contact the manager if he has changed his mind and wants to be considered for South Africa.

Carragher’s expected inclusion would represent an incredible U-turn for one of England’s most talented defenders. He appears to have recovered from a twisted ankle and is likely to feature for Liverpool in their final league game away to Hull City.

Although it would seem to be a meaningless contest, it would be Carragher’s 435th league match for Liverpool — surpassing the record of former captain Alan Hansen, and his 629th game overall for the club.

When Capello was appointed England manager, following the failure to qualify for Euro 2008, he marked out Carragher, King and Paul Scholes as three vastly experienced players he wanted to bring back into the fold. Scholes has proved elusive.

Two previous attempts to woo back Carragher have failed with the defender concerned that he would be regarded as a hypocrite for returning, given he may be asked to play right-back by Capello and having complained about the lack of opportunities in his preferred position of central defence.

However it shows Capello’s pragmatic nature, something he demonstrated with the relentless pursuit of King, which has previously led to clashes with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.

Capello was prepared to make one last attempt to bring back Carragher, who has 34 caps, but who bitterly complained about not being first-choice or given the chance to prove himself under former managers.

Capello’s medical team — led by Dr Ian Beasley — have spent the past week checking on the fitness of several England players, including Wayne Rooney and captain Rio Ferdinand.

It is now expected that Aaron Lennon will be included in the squad, and the final 23, while Joleon Lescott is also fit although he will not play for City on Sunday. It could change with the final round of league matches.

Capello has been acutely aware that fitness was always going to be a key issue ahead of the finals and it will influence his selection when he meets with his coaching staff at Wembley on Monday.