Reece James Injury Update: Chelsea And England Right-Back Set To Miss World Cup
Reece James looks set to miss this year's FIFA World Cup due to the knee injury he sustained in Chelsea's 2-0 win over AC Milan.
James emerged as England's first-choice right-back during the recent international break but the 22-year-old faces a race against time to be fit for Qatar 2022.
A statement released by Chelsea on Saturday claimed that James will likely be unavailable for the next eight weeks.
It read: "Following the knee injury sustained in our away match against AC Milan, Reece has received treatment from the Chelsea medical department and visited a specialist this weekend.
"After consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks."
Reece James has been capped 15 times by England at senior international level
IMAGO/kolbert-press/Marc Niemeyer
England's first game at the World Cup is just over five weeks away. But James is refusing to surrender hope of making Gareth Southgate's squad.
He tweeted on Saturday: "The race against time is on… But we won't give up."
James is not the only England right-back desperate to overcome an injury before the World Cup.
Manchester City's Kyle Walker underwent groin surgery earlier this month and is also a doubt for Qatar 2022.
But Walker told BBC Sport this week: "My first thought now is getting back for England.
He added: "I'm confident. I've been through enough in my career to know my body."
Newcastle's Kieran Tripper is England's third-choice right-back, while Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold is fourth in the pecking order.
