Trent Alexander-Arnold's chances of making Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad have been increased by the news that Chelsea defender Reece James will be sidelined for eight weeks with a knee injury.
The Chelsea right-back suffered ligament damage during the Londoners' 2-0 victory at AC Milan earlier this week and was subsequently forced off. However, after seeing a specialist the full extent of the injury has now been revealed and it looks likely to end his dreams of representing the Three Lions at the World Cup next month.
A club statement released on Saturday evening confirmed that, while James will not require surgery as part of his rehabilitation, he will be sidelined for eight weeks and will not feature for Graham Potter's side until December - after the World Cup has taken place.
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Southgate is due to announce his 26-man squad for the finals on November 10, but James' chances of making the roster are now in doubt, which could hand Alexander-Arnold the chance to attend his second international tournament with England.
After enduring a difficult start to the Premier League season, Alexander-Arnold found himself axed from Southgate's matchday squad to face Germany at Wembley in September's Nations League clash, which plunged his potential place in the squad for the Qatar finals into doubt as the discussions surrounding his defensive qualities arose once more.
While Southgate has never favoured the Liverpool defender during his time as manager, he may be forced to take Alexander-Arnold to Qatar as James' injury follows that of Kyle Walker's. The Manchester City defender had surgery on a reoccurring groin injury which he aggravated during the Citizens' 6-3 victory over Manchester United earlier this month.
Sky Sports described Walker's fitness race as "touch and go" at the moment because of the nature of his injury, meaning that Southgate could be left with Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier as his only two senior right-backs to take to the Middle East.
The Liverpool defender is currently sidelined and expected to be out of action for between two and three weeks after picking up an ankle during last weekend's defeat to Arsenal.
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