Reece James: Blow for the Chelsea Defender As Tests Reveal He Could Miss the 2022 World Cup

• Reece James' chances of playing at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar are in serious doubt after scans revealed the Chelsea defender may be out for longer than anticipated
• James has been outstanding for the Blues this season and was expected to start for England at the World Cup
• Scans revealed that James had damaged ligaments and may require surgery, which would rule him out for two months

Chelsea right-back Reece James could miss the World Cup in Qatar after tests revealed the injury he sustained against AC Milan is worse than imagined.

Reported indicated that the Englishman may have damaged ligaments and will be sidelined for up to two months, forcing him to miss the world's biggest football tournament.

James has been one of Chelsea's best players this season. He produced exceptional performances for the Blues in their two games against AC Milan, shutting down star winger Rafael Leao.

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The youngster was expected to be the Three Lions starting right-back in Qatar next month, but the injury means he may have to miss the tournament.

According to the Daily Mail, James underwent scans on Thursday which revealed he sustained ligament damage in Chelsea's 2-0 win over AC Milan on Tuesday, as reported by Sky Sports.

For that reason, the 22-year-old is facing a race against time to be fit for England's opening match on November 21 against Iran. However, Gareth Southgate may still call him up to the squad with the hope that he will regain fitness as the event progresses.

Moreover, the England manager could be without Kyle Walker, who underwent groin surgery a few weeks ago.

The news is a setback for Chelsea. James has started six out of eight League games for the Blues, and his stature for the national team was gradually growing.

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James praised by Rafael Leao

Sports Brief earlier reported on AC Milan winger Rafael Leao praising the right-back, saying he was given a hard time by the right-back when his side faced Chelsea in the Champions League.

Leao has described Reece James as the toughest opponent he has ever faced. In the first leg, James scored a goal and supplied an assist.

Chelsea won the encounter 3-0.