Reece James: Chelsea defender could miss World Cup with England after suffering knee injury against AC Milan

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.

Ad 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. World CupTuchel interested in England job should Southgate get sacked — report21 HOURS AGO 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 Keiran Trippier the obvious successor. France, Poland and Switzerland among bids to host UEFA Women's Euro 2025, host appointed in January Erling Haaland is the 'best striker in the world', says Jurgen Klopp ahead of Manchester City showdown World CupScan gives Dybala hope of recovering in time to feature for Argentina at World CupYESTERDAY AT 15:51 World