The FA are reportedly unhappy with Chelsea over their handling of Reece James' knee injury, which has all-but ruled him out of the World Cup.
James, 22, was in contention to be England's first-choice right-back at the tournament in Qatar after starting their most recent fixture against Germany last month. The defender is also capable of playing on the right of Gareth Southgate's preferred back three.
Southgate was set to have four top-class right-backs to choose from in James, Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier but is now worried all of them could miss this year's World Cup, with only the latter currently fit.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the FA are unhappy at how Chelsea have dealt with James' injury since it was sustained in the 2-0 Champions League win against AC Milan last Tuesday. The injury looked worrying, as he immediately hobbled off the pitch.
It's believed Chelsea manager Graham Potter allowed James to stay in Milan to spend a day off with his teammates instead of returning to Stamford Bridge for treatment. "Reece, we're hoping he'll be OK," said Potter in his post-match press conference.
James reportedly flew back to London on Wednesday evening and had a scan the next day, which confirmed the ligament damage. It's claimed he returned on a budget airline without medical support - such as a knee brace - although he did have extra leg room.
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The FA are said to have contacted Chelsea to ask why James' injury wasn't assessed quicker considering the potentially serious nature of it. The Blues are reportedly standing by their handling of the injury and they considered cancelling James' pre-planned day off.
James, Potter and Chelsea's medical staff are thought to have discussed the idea of him returning to London on Tuesday night. It's said the injury worsened overnight - at which point the defender came home, had a scan and consulted a specialist.
James has not given up hope of making the World Cup squad, even though the odds are stacked against him. He will not undergo surgery on the injury and is expected to be fit again in eight weeks' time. England's first game against Iran is in five weeks' time.
There's a belief James' injury will heal quicker than expected. Selecting him would be a huge risk for Southgate to take, however, especially if Trippier, Alexander-Arnold and Walker are fit for the tournament. That remains a big if, of course.
Southgate will be hoping Trippier doesn't get injured and Alexander-Arnold returns from action later this month as expected. Walker's chances of being fit in time for the tournament hang in the balance, although it is hoped he will be OK to take part.
Southgate is almost certain to select Alexander-Arnold, Walker and Trippier if they are all fit following James' injury. Like the Chelsea star, Walker is capable of playing at right-back or on the right of a back three. Trippier, meanwhile, can provide cover at left-back.
There were question marks over whether Alexander-Arnold would be selected for the World Cup, even though he's Liverpool's first-choice right-back and a Ballon d'Or nominee. But James' injury has surely quashed those doubts, assuming Alexander-Arnold is fit.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday, Walker said: "My first thought now is getting back for England. I'm confident. I've been through enough in my career to know my body. I'm well above what they thought I'd be able to do at this point.
"I just feel I can do this. I am going to have to be patient with it. There will be bumps in the road but hopefully, come the selection, I'm included."
