Injury Update: Sidelined Chelsea star handed massive boost ahead of World Cup

England and Chelsea right-back Reece James told he could recover from injury and play by the end of November

Chelsea right-back Reece James has been told by specialists that he could return from his injury by the end of November, giving him hope of playing for England at the Qatar World Cup, according to The Sun.

The 22-year-old picked up a knee injury at San Siro on 11 October against AC Milan in the group stages of the Champions League. While the Blues won 3-0, we lost one of our best players in the process.

Originally, it was thought that James would be out until mid-December. However, it seems the right-back is recovering quicker than expected.

England and Chelsea right-back Reece James told he could recover from injury and play by the end of November.
Chelsea right-back Reece James told he could return from his injury by the end of November. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea play their final fixture before the World Cup break on 12 November against Newcastle United in the Premier League. We will then return to action on 27 December. Thus, the Blues will be without the 22-year-old until the prestigious tournament in Qatar concludes.

However, the England international’s recovery timeline presents Gareth Southgate with a selection dilemma. The Chelsea right-back has been a key figure for the Three Lions in recent international breaks. And he could be fit to play after the first two games of Group B in Qatar.

James seems to be the first choice for the English manager. However, his injury has complicated things for Southgate. Kyle Walker being on the sidelines does not help the Three Lions’ cause either. However, the Manchester City star has been declared fit for the World Cup.

The 22-year-old has been injury prone in his time with Chelsea. However, the right-back is still one of our best players when fit. And without him, the Blues evidently lose a lot of quality both in the defence and attack.

It remains to be seen how James’ injury progresses and whether Southgate takes a gamble on him. Some Chelsea fans will hope the right-back does not jeopardise the rest of the campaign for his World Cup hope.

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England take on Iran on 21 November and then face the USA before their final group game against Wales on 29 November.