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Chelsea’s Reece James stumbles away injured against AC Milan after he appeared to hurt his knee… and leaves England sweating with the star full-back’s fitness as Qatar’s World Cup looms
- Chelsea’s Reece James was pulled out against AC Milan after stumbling
- The fullback tried to play on, but went down while holding his knee in the San Siro
- England will now have to wait to discover the extent of James’ latest injury
- The 22-year-old could miss the World Cup if scans show prolonged recovery
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England could wait nervously for a fitness update on Reece James after the fullback was injured during Chelsea’s Champions League game against AC Milan.
James stumbled out injured and was withdrawn just over an hour into the game by Chelsea boss Graham Potter after he appeared to hurt his knee in the San Siro.
Chelsea will have to assess the 22-year-old in the days following the game, with England and Gareth Southgate having to wait just over a month for an injury update before the World Cup gets underway in Qatar.
Chelsea’s Reece James goes down injured in their Champions League game against AC Milan
England defender (centre) had to be replaced by Chelsea manager Graham Potter
When asked about James’ injury after the game, Chelsea manager Graham Potter said: “We hope he’ll be fine, it’ll take 24, 48 hours to find out so it’s too early to tell you more.” give that. .’
Joe Cole added: “He lands awkwardly and it’s one of those that you don’t know until 24/48 hours what damage has been done.
“He will be a little swollen and sore tomorrow, but the fact that we were all holding our breath collectively shows how important he is to England.
He is vital for England. We were shocked when we saw it. I really hope for him and for the country that he is doing well.’
Meanwhile, Reece took to Twitter after the game to say, “Fingers crossed, it’s not a bad one. Love for all messages, I appreciate you all.’
Gareth Southgate will be sweating the defender’s condition before the World Cup
James has been one of Chelsea’s most outstanding players this season, scoring two goals and providing the same number of assists in all competitions so far this season.
The attacking fullback has established himself as one of England’s defenders and is widely tipped to start for England at his preferred right-back position at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
England legend Stuart Pearce told talkSPORT he feared the injury could cause a headache for Gareth Southgate ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
The attacking fullback has established himself as one of England’s defenders and is widely tipped to start for England at his favorite right-back position at the World Cup in Qatar
England legend Stuart Pearce (above) fears the injury could cause a headache for Gareth Southgate ahead of the 2022 World Cup
Pearce said, “It sure is. He’s in such good shape. I raved about him in the first half.
‘His energy, his drive, his commitment. Let’s hope it’s nothing too serious. We saw him bump his knee. Don’t be fooled by the fact that he went on.
‘With knee ligaments you can sometimes get a serious injury and you continue with that by running in straight lines. I really hope it’s just a precaution.’