Chelsea defender, Reece James, is set to miss the 2022 World Cup as he faces an eight-week injury lay-off.
James looked certain to be selected by England manager, Gareth Southgate, with uncertainty surrounding Kyle Walker’s fitness and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s indifferent form.
But he was substituted just after the hour mark in the midweek Champions League win over AC Milan was initially confident he had avoided a serious setback.
Chelsea are yet to confirm the extent of the injury, but the Telegraph reports that James is facing a significant spell on the sidelines, although he hopes to avoid surgery despite sustaining knee ligament damage.
Gareth Southgate is set to name his 26-man squad on November 10 and although James is said to feel he is capable of recovering in just six weeks, it remains to be seen how prepared Gareth Southgate is to take risks with the fitness of any of his players.
Regardless, James will not play for his club before the domestic and European seasons break, meaning he will miss key fixtures against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United as well as the finale of Chelsea’s Champions League group stage campaign.
The Blues face Aston Villa on Sunday when Potter will likely provide an official update after he refused to make any firm commitment in his pre-match press conference.
