Reece James has been left out of England’s World Cup squad by Gareth Southgate, according to reports.
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Southgate has told James that he doesn’t want to risk him, as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained in the Champions League game against AC Milan last month.
The Chelsea defender was advised it would take up to eight weeks for the complaint to heal, but he refused to give up on his World Cup dream.
James has worn a knee brace since the injury and started jogging on Tuesday. He is set to make a superb recovery – as it’s believed a specialist has told him he could be fit to face Wales on November 29 – but Southgate isn’t willing to gamble.
According to reports, Southgate has spoken to James to let him know. The Champions League winner would’ve been guarantee a spot in the squad if it wasn’t for the injury due to his form and priceless versatility.
James is capable of playing at right-back, right-wing-back and on the right side of a back three. Southgate has at least two other right-backs to call on in Kieran Trippier and Alexander-Arnold. Kyle Walker (groin) remains a doubt for the tournament.
James refused to give up on his World Cup dream in his interview with The Sun two weeks ago. “I will try and not rule myself out,” he said.
“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. 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… I am trying to be positive. I am not not sure how long this injury will take. I am not in pain. But if I try to speed it up, it might be a bit of a risk. I am trying hard every day to improve and make it right.”
According to The Athletic, James is now aiming to be involved in Chelsea’s trip to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates next month. Players who are not involved in the tournament will take part in a training camp.
James will not be involved in Chelsea’s Premier League match against Newcastle on Saturday, but their fixture against Bournemouth on December 27 – the first to take place after the World Cup – is a realistic target for him.
Southgate must also make a tough decision on whether to select Walker or Kalvin Phillips. The latter has played only 14 minutes of football this term due to a shoulder injury but is set to play against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Walker is unlikely to play again before the World Cup, but Guardiola has assured Southgate both players will be fit for the tournament.
Southgate is expected to finally announce his 26-player World Cup squad on Thursday.
