Chelsea’s Reece James could miss World Cup for England after struggling with knee injury
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EXCLUSIVE: Reece James could miss the World Cup with a knee injury more serious than previously feared and surgery possible… in a hammer blow to Chelsea and Gareth Southgate’s plans
- Reece James could miss the World Cup after a knee injury this week
- His absence would be a huge blow to Gareth Southgate for Qatar
- James has started England’s last two games and would become a key player
- He has sustained ligament damage and will miss six to eight weeks of action
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Reece James faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after tearing knee ligaments in Chelsea’s Champions League win over AC Milan.
Sports post can reveal that the England defender underwent a scan yesterday that revealed he suffered ligament damage in Chelsea’s 2-0 win at San Siro, which will likely put him out for six to eight weeks.
James has been in excellent form this season and was expected to start at right-back for England at the World Cup, leaving manager Gareth Southgate in a quandary.
Reece James threatens to miss the World Cup as he struggles with a knee injury
James would be a huge blow to Gareth Southgate (R) – the right-back would play an integral part in his Qatar plans
The 22-year-old looks unlikely to be fit for England’s opening game against Iran on November 21, but Southgate could decide to include him in his vast 26-man roster. To compound England’s problems, it is unlikely that Kyle Walker will also be fit for the start of the tournament.
James’ injury is also a bitter blow to Chelsea, as it is worse than manager Graham Potter said after the Milan game.
Surgery could even be a possibility for the right-back after he was substituted for Cesar Azpilicueta 62 minutes into the win at the San Siro.
James has started six of Chelsea’s eight Premier League games. Under Potter, James has played all four of his first games, while the 22-year-old has started England’s last two games under Southgate.
He played the full 90 minutes against Germany – he picked up an assist in the 3-3 draw last month – and also played the entire time in the 1-0 defeat to Italy.
More to follow.