Reece James has been left OUT of England's World Cup squad.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has told James, 22, that doesn't want to risk him, as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained in a Champions League game against AC Milan last month. The Chelsea defender was advised it would take around 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 again on Tuesday. He is set to make a remarkable 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 on his fitness.
As reported by multiple sources, Southgate has spoken to James to let him know the bad news. The Champions League winner would've been guaranteed of a spot in the squad if it wasn't for the injury due to his impressive form and priceless versatility.
James is capable of playing at right-back, right-wing-back and on the right of a back three. Southgate has at least two other top-class right-backs to call on in Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Kyle Walker (groin) remains a doubt for the tournament.
James refused to give up on his World Cup dream in an 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.
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"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. Blues players who are not involved in the tournament will take part in a training camp and play at least one friendly.
James will not be involved in Chelsea's Premier League game 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 the injury-stricken defender.
Southgate must also make a tough decision on whether to select Walker or his Manchester City team-mate Kalvin Phillips. The latter has played just 14 minutes of football this term due to a shoulder injury but is set to play against Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
Walker is unlikely to play again before the World Cup, but Pep Guardiola has assured Southgate both players will be fit for the tournament. The big question is whether they are match fit after missing several games in recent weeks.
Southgate is expected to announce his 26-player World Cup squad on Thursday. There is a chance that will not be the final squad because there is still one more round of Premier League fixtures to play and more untimely injuries could follow.
