James could miss out on the World Cup after suffering a knee injury against AC Milan, according to widespread reports.
James went down in the second half during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday. After the challenge by Theo Hernandez on Reece James, he had to be replaced.
And while early indications had suggested the injury was not serious. Further scans on Thursday have reportedly revealed the injury is much worse than initially thought.
Blues boss Graham Potter, speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa, tried to calm fears about the 22-year-old’s fitness.
“There is no point looking at a doomsday scenario just yet,” he said.
“When we spoke yesterday he didn’t feel so bad but you need to check things and see the way forward.”
He said the club will decide in the next 48hours whether he will have surgery after seeing a specialist this weekend.
With the World Cup fast approaching, James’ absence would represent a huge blow to England boss Gareth Southgate.
With the World Cup fast approaching, James’ absence would represent a huge blow to England boss Gareth Southgate.
England have had an unusual wealth of world-class quality in the right-back position in recent years. Reece James has been first choice in recent friendlies.
But Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker and now James are injury doubts for Qatar, leaving Southgate’s options diminished with Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier the obvious successor.
Chelsea enjoyed a comfortable victory at AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League after former Blues defender Fikayo Tomori received an early red card.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doubled the lead with a confident strike for Chelsea against his former club, Milan.
But the Milan tie seem to be bad luck when England right-back Reece James limped off.
