Manager Gareth Southgate has informed Reece James that he will not be included in England’s World Cup squad.
Southgate called James on Tuesday to notify him that he would be left out of the 26-man squad, which will be unveiled on Thursday afternoon.
Southgate does not want to take a chance on the 22-year-old because he is still healing from a knee injuries sustained against AC Milan last month.
Despite a scan revealing that James had suffered ligament damage, James has remained optimistic that he will be able to recuperate in time to travel. The 22-year-old, who was required to wear a knee brace for four weeks as part of his recovery, jogged for the first time on Tuesday
at Chelsea‘s training ground.
He was advised by a specialist that he might be able to play by the end of the month, with England’s last group match against Wales on November 29 as a potential goal.
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The 15-cap James was heartbroken by the news but respects the
However, despite Southgate’s admiration for James, he has concluded that he cannot afford to gamble on the defender and will be leaving him behind.
Despite being heartbroken by the news, James, who has 15 caps, respects the decision. He will now carry on his efforts to resolve the issue with Chelsea.
The Chelsea players who are not competing in the World Cup will go to Abu Dhabi for a training camp and to play at least one friendly. James is expected to be involved.
The 22-year-old has been sorely missed by Chelsea, who have only earned two points from their last four Premier League games. They will be hoping he will be available for selection in their first Premier League match following the World Cup on December 27 against Bournemouth.
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Graham Potter, the head coach, reportedly stated that he anticipated James would require four weeks of rehabilitation after donning a knee brace for four weeks.
He is the second Chelsea player to suffer an injury that prevents him from competing for England in the tournament. Ben Chilwell will also miss the game because of a severe hamstring injury he sustained last week against Dinamo Zagreb.
