England World Cup fear as Reece James subbed off injured after jarring knee for Chelsea at AC Milan
REECE JAMES went off injured during Chelsea's clash with AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Blues defender was forced to make way just after the hour mark when he jarred his knee at the San Siro.
England right-back James was then replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta.
James went off with Chelsea’s medical staff holding his knee and he will be assessed further today with the squad now back in London.
There has not yet been any confirmation of the severity of the Chelsea man's injury.
Manager Graham Potter said: “Reece, we are hoping will be ok but it is too early to say, we need 24-48 hours to give us anything more than that.”
After the game, James wrote a message on Twitter saying he is staying positive.
He wrote: "Fingers crossed it’s not a bad one. Love for all the messages, I appreciate you all."
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The 22-year-old's problem will be of major concern to national team boss Gareth Southgate with one month to go until the World Cup.
England suffered a major blow last week when it was revealed that Kyle Walker is a doubt for the tournament after undergoing groin surgery.
Now there are fears James has his own fitness concerns following the knee issue he picked up in Italy.
Southgate does still have alternative options at right-back - a position England are blessed in.
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Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both vying for a place in the squad that will go to Qatar.
However, Alexander-Arnold has been out of favour under Southgate, with James, Walker and Trippier all preferred to him.
And the Liverpool man's form has left a lot to be desired so far this season.
England's first game of the tournament comes against Iran on November 21.
They then face USA four days later, before their final group stage match against Wales on November 29.