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.
Following a report by the Mail on Friday which went far as to claim that surgery is a possibility, Chelsea manager Graham Potter was asked about James' injury in a pre-match news conference ahead of the Blues' trip to Aston Villa on Sunday. "He's due to see a specialist over the weekend," Potter confirmed. "Until we get that information there's not too much to add."
James had been surefire pick for Southgate's 26-man squad, budging ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier in recent months. The Chelsea academy graduate - who's set to sign a new long-term contract amid links to Real Madrid - has provided two goals and three assists for club and country this term, with Potter going on record to say that James could become a club legend.
"I think Reece is just a fantastic player, and he's a young player, so he's developing all the time," the Blues boss affirmed. "He'll get better and better as we go. I've really enjoyed working with him, he's got a lot to offer, he's fantastic. He could play any game in the world, he’s tremendous ... his potential is beyond the sky.
Have your say! How should England deal with James' absence? Let us know your XI in the comments section.
"We love him. He's so important for us. My job is to help him reach his potential, and his potential is he can be a Chelsea legend. That is the level he has, the potential that he has. For that to happen, he has to be part of a successful team. That's what we're working towards."
He's also received similar praise from Southgate, only affirming the prospect of him being the Three Lions' starting right-back in Qatar. "Reece is just a very, very talented footballer. He's excellent with the ball and strong without it," Southgate said last November. "He's got everything. He’s already a top player but he can be anything that he wants."
