Reece James: Chelsea defender could miss World Cup with England after suffering knee injury against AC Milan
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Updated 14/10/2022 at 13:28 GMT
England have been spoilt for choice in the right-back position in recent years, but in a matter of weeks Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker have become doubts for the Qatar World Cup. James suffered an injury on Wednesday against AC Milan, and while early indications were positive, reports suggest a second scan has revealed a much worse injury than first thought.
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Reece James could miss out on the World Cup after suffering a knee injury against AC Milan, according to widespread reports.
James went down in the second half during Chelsea's 2-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday after a challenge by Theo Hernandez, and was replaced shortly after.
And while early indications suggested the injury was not serious, further scans on Thursday have reportedly revealed the injury is much worse than initially thought.
Blues boss Graham Potter, speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Aston Villa, tried to calm fears about the 22-year-old's fitness.
"There is no point looking at a doomsday scenario just yet," he said.
"When we spoke yesterday he didn't feel so bad but you need to get things checked and see the way forward."
He said the club will decide in the next 48 hours whether he will have surgery after seeing a specialist this weekend.
With the World Cup fast approaching, James' absence would represent a huge blow to England boss Gareth Southgate.
England have had an unusual wealth of world-class quality in the right-back position in recent years, with James first choice in recent friendlies.
But Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker and now James are injury doubts for Qatar, leaving Southgate's options diminished with Newcastle's Kieran Trippier the obvious successor.
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