The knee injury sustained by Reece James in Chelsea's victory over AC Milan is worse than initially feared and the wing-back faces a race to be fit for the World Cup in Qatar, football.london understands.
James has been one of the standout players so far this season, starting 10 of the 11 games in the Premier League and Champions League, scoring two goals and assisting the same number.
Not only was James again demonstrating his growing influence for Chelsea, but there was a strong expectation he would play a key role for Gareth Southgate during England's upcoming World Cup campaign.