Chelsea suffer huge blow with Reece James ruled out for ‘eight weeks’

Reece James is set to be ruled out of England’s World Cup squad after Chelsea confirmed the right-back is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks with a knee problem.

Reece James sustained the injury late in the second half of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory at AC Milan in the Champions League and was withdrawn after receiving medical treatment on the pitch.

“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,” Chelsea said in a statement.

“After consultation between all parties, Reece James will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks.”

The World Cup begins on November 20, with England beginning their group campaign a day later against Iran.

England manager Gareth Southgate has seen three of his leading right-backs succumb to injury in recent weeks.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, and Reece James have all picked up injuries with the World Cup in Qatar a few weeks away.