Chelsea star ‘almost certain’ to miss 2022 FIFA World Cup after ligament injury

Club News: Chelsea right-back Reece James is almost certain to miss the World Cup

In what will come as a piece of devastating news to Chelsea and England fans, Reece James is almost certain to miss the FIFA World Cup next month, reports The Telegraph (subscription required) [h/t Metro].

The 22-year-old was substituted just after the hour mark in his side’s 2-0 win against AC Milan in the Champions League earlier this week after picking up a knee ligament injury.

While the player was initially confident he would avoid a serious setback, the report suggests that the England international faces a significant time spell on the sidelines.

Such a spell on the sidelines has put his World Cup dream in doubt, though the full-back will not be needing any surgery. He could be facing up to eight weeks away from the pitch.

James has been one of the best players for Chelsea this season. He has played in 11 games so far this season in all competitions and was outstanding in all of them.

The 22-year-old looked more than certain to be part of Gareth Southgate’s squad and was also tipped to play a pivotal role for the Three Lions in Qatar later next month.

Southgate is due to announce the World Cup squad on November 10. James will have to make an incredible recovery if he wants his name on that list. The England manager could take him to the middle-east and then use him in the later stage of the tournament- given that the Three Lions make progress.

More Chelsea News:

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• Graham Potter gives injury update on Wesley Fofana, N’Golo Kante and Reece James

While it remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old is included in the national squad or not, the full-back is very unlikely to feature for the Blues till after the tournament. Chelsea are yet to confirm the extent of his injury, but it looks highly unfavourable for both club and country.