Chelsea star Reece James' World Cup hopes have been dealt a major blow after it emerged that his injury is worse than first feared.
The England defender limped off during the Blues' brilliant 2-0 win away to AC Milan on Tuesday, having unknowingly ruptured his knee ligaments at the San Siro. The issue is set to keep James out of action for six to eights weeks, casting serious concern over whether he'll be able to feature for the Three Lions in Qatar.
Gareth Southgate - who was recently rocked by the news that fellow defender Kyle Walker is a doubt for the tournament after undergoing surgery - was due to select James as his first-choice right-back for England's World Cup campaign, which begins on Monday, November 21. The 22-year-old now faces a race against time to be fit for the group stage, having enjoyed a superb start to the season.
