Reece James Reveals Unknown Details of How World Cup Dream Was Crushed Through Injury

Reece James Reveals Unknown Details of How World Cup Dream Was Crushed Through Injury

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:14 PM
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  • Reece James has narrated the exact moment he received news that his 2022 World Cup participation was in serious jeopardy
  • James said he is devastated and would try everything he could to be ready for the tournament
  • the Chelsea defender has been on top form this season and will be sorely missed by his club

A heartbroken Reece James revealed the exact moment he was told his participation in the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar was hanging by a thread.

James was injured during Chelsea's Champions League match away at AC Milan last week, and he thought it wasn't that serious at first. Still, after more examination, the surgeon delivered a crushing blow to the England youngster.

Reece James, Chelsea, England, 2022 World Cup Qatar, Premier League, AC Milan, Champions League
Reece James was tipped to start for England at right-back in Qatar. Photo by Michael Regan.
Source: Getty Images

James was expected to start for England in the upcoming tournament after first-choice right-back Kyle Walker underwent groin surgery a few weeks ago, according to the Guardian.

With Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold out of sorts, this was James's chance to grab the starting spot with both hands, a dream that will probably never come true for the young defender.

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James reveals sad injury news

In a Tiktok video, the 22-year-old defender gave a detailed account from when he was injured to when he received the horrible diagnosis from the medical team.

I stayed an extra day in Milan and just thought maybe it was a little niggle. I think a day or two later, I saw a surgeon, and he told me I was going to be out for around two months."

Although the chances of making the World Cup are slim, James has vowed to try everything to ready.

"It's obviously devastating. The World Cup is only one month away. As a kid growing up, I always wanted to go, and this is my first opportunity. I'll do everything I can to be there."

England kick off their World Cup on 21st November against Iran. Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate will name his squad at some point in the coming weeks, and it will be interesting to see if James is included, according to the Daily Mail.

James could miss the World Cup

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Reece James receiving news that he could miss the World Cup after he received news that his injury was worse than feared.

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.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.