Reece James stumbled off in Chelsea’s 2-0 Champions Association triumph over AC Milan on Tuesday night.
Reece James is supposed to miss Chelsea’s Premier Association outing to Aston Manor this weekend yet the England international right-back is in line to return to action next week in the wake of suffering a knee injury alarm, according to reports. Gareth Southgate has previously been left sweating on the fitness of Kyle Walker ahead of the World Cup in Qatar and there were concerns for James when he went down at the San Siro clutching his knee following an abnormal challenge with AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez.
James attempted to play on through the pain hindrance yet it soon turned out to be evident that he would need to leave the field after he was unable to stay aware of energetic winger Rafael Leao.
He remained on the bench however to watch the remainder of the contest and was even ready to stroll around the field full-time to warmly greet the opposition.
The 22-year-old was then seen smiling in pictures with Kalidou Koulibaly as the defensive pair praised the triumph that put Chelsea top of Gathering E.
According to The Evening Standard, James’ injury isn’t as awful as dreaded and he could be set to return to the fight as soon as next week.
Sunday’s outing to Aston Manor is supposed to come too early for the former Wigan loanee yet he ought to be back on schedule to face Brentford on Wednesday or Manchester United the following Saturday.
James appeared to be hopeful he would only be facing a short lay-not quite right if any whatsoever when addressing his fans via web-based entertainment.
He composed on Twitter: “Fingers crossed it’s anything but a terrible one. Love for every one of the messages, I appreciate all of you.”
Graham Potter was keen to pressure after the match that it was still too soon to determine whether James’ injury was serious, stating: “Reece, we’re hoping he is OK however it is too soon to say until 24-48 hours later.”
It’s been a terrible time for England right-moves in recent weeks as Southgate’s patience and feelings of anxiety were scrutinized.
Best option defender Walker has been compelled to undergo a medical procedure on a groin injury sustained in the 6-3 Manchester derby rout to United at the Etihad Arena.
Walker isn’t facing a test of skill and endurance to be good for Qatar, albeit the early indications are that he may not be prepared to start the tournament.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was likewise constrained off in Liverpool’s 3-2 loss at Arsenal last weekend with an ankle issue.
He is supposed to miss around fourteen days of action with Joe Gomez set for a run of games in his absence at right-back.
It means that currently, Kieran Trippier is Southgate’s only fit and accessible right-back.
James has been in the exceptional type of late having netted in the 3-0 home triumph over AC Milan last week before he was subsequently refreshed for the 3-0 triumph over Wolves.
England’s Reality Cup campaign begins on November 21 when they have Iran in their Gathering B opener.
