Will Reece James play in the 2022 World Cup? Here’s latest update as the 22-year-old learns injury return date

What is the latest on Reece James World Cup hopes? 

England coach Gareth Southgate has been handed a huge selection dilemma when selecting his squad for the 2022 World Cup, with Chelsea’s Reece James pushing for a place.

Reece James was expected to be out for at least eight weeks when he picked up a knee injury Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over AC Milan in their UEFA Champions League clash last month. However, after being flown out to Dubai to continue his rehabilitation, James is reported to be recovering ahead of schedule.

Latest update on Reece James injury

According to The Sun, James, who has been working in the gym and pool as Chelsea kept FA up-to-date regarding the 22-year-old’s fitness and knee stability, has been told he could be fit in three weeks.

If the report is to be believed then Reece James could make a cut in Gareth Southgate’s squad but he will miss England’s group stage fixtures against Iran on November 21, United States on November 25 and Wales on November 29.

If the Three Lions make it out the group stage, James should be available for the rest of the tournament. With Reece James facing race against time, Gareth Southgate has been handed a selection headache as to whether he should risk handling James a place in the 26-man squad over fellow right-back Kyle Walker who recently returned from injury.

Speaking on a YouTube video, James admitted that a surgeon told him that he could be out for two months. He said: “Last week I went in for a tackle against AC Milan when I got injured.

“I didn’t think it was too bad after the game, I stayed an extra day in Milan and thought maybe it was just a little niggle. I think a day or two later I saw a surgeon. He told me that I was going to be out for around two months.”

James has started in each of England’s previous four UEFA Nations League fixtures, featuring in both a back-five and back-four. It can be said that the Chelsea star is trusted by Southgate and his versatility could prove pivotal when deciding whether to gamble on his availability.