Reece James' latest injury blow has come at a time where the Chelsea defender was playing some of the best football of his career. James' performances under Thomas Tuchel earlier this season were of a good level, but he has thrived under Graham Potter.
Just look at his two appearances against AC Milan in a six day spell. In the 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, James scored and claimed and assist against the Serie A champions, while it was his pass that led to the Blues winning a first half penalty at San Siro, which was converted by Jorginho.
After his standout performance against Milan in west London, Thiago Silva delivered a hugely exciting verdict on Reece James and the legacy he could leave when he eventually retires. "He is a guy that really works hard and deserves all this success with the performances he is having," Silva told Hayters TV.
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"If he keeps this winning mentality, he has everything to be one of the best players in history."
It was a huge statement from Silva, but it seems he is not alone in his thinking. James' England team-mate Kyle Walker has also spoken in glowing terms about the 22-year-old.
With Walker a major doubt for the World Cup next month, Three Lions fans will be hoping that James also isn't unavailable for the competition. It would be a huge shame for James to miss the world's biggest football tournament, with Walker believing that the 'sky is the limit' for the young defender.
"Unbelievable. He is unbelievable," Walker told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"Just his personality and how he conducts himself around the place as well. The sky’s the limit for him. I think we can see what he has achieved so far in his career, and he is only young."
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