Reece James has made a major decision regarding the Qatar World Cup as the Chelsea star could be fit to play in the competition for England, according to reports.
The defender was having a season to remember with the Blues, but his high flying form was sharply ended when he picked up a knee injury.
Against AC Milan in the Champions League, a game Chelsea won 2-0, James went down in the second half and was forced off the pitch.
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It was a devastating moment for fans, the other players and of course James himself.
He picked up the injury in October and has missed every game that the west London side have played since.
Following the injury the extent of it was revealed, previously it was reported that he was expected to be out for around eight weeks.
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The club then released a statement, providing an update, saying: "Following the knee injury sustained in our away match against AC Milan, Reece has received treatment from the Chelsea medical department and visited a specialist this weekend.
"After consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks.”
The injury list at Chelsea has been growing and it has impacted their level of performance. As well as being without James, the Blues have to manage without having the likes of Wesley Fofana, N’Golo Kante and recently Kepa Arrizabalaga.
With the World Cup in Qatar less than two weeks away from kicking-off, some of these players' dreams have been crushed. This included James, who looked to be out of contention of travelling with the squad.
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However, as reported by the Sun he may well be in with a chance. The 22-year-old is refusing to give up on going, and he could even be ready to play by the end of the month.
The Three Lions’ first game comes against Iran, which James would likely miss, but he may be back for the third game of the group against Wales.
This has left Gareth Southgate with a selection headache as his 26-man squad is set to be announced this week.
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It will be a gamble for the England boss, but if James is fit and playing at his best, he would be a crucial member of the side.
Talking to SunSport, James shared his optimism over playing: "I need to keep working hard over the next few weeks and see where I am on call-up day. I will try and not rule myself out. It is still slow and in the early stages.
"I have been in rehab for two weeks, so I am still taking it day by day.”
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He continued: “The Chelsea medical staff have not given me a percentage of my chance of being back for the World Cup.
"It is down to how I feel closer to the time and how stable it is."
Graham Potter was asked about James’ progress and confirmed he has started light jogging at Cobham, but left the timeline of his return down to the defender and doctors.
He added: "Reece was outside today having a little jog. “I just think it’s how he responds (James being available for the World Cup). We don’t want to rush anything, I don’t want to put any timescales on it. That’s for him, doctors and physios.”
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Reece James, England, Football World Cup
Sam Collins