Reece James sustained an injury that may prevent him from competing in the World Cup, and Mason Mount has acknowledged that he was absolutely devastated about it.
After looking better than ever in Chelsea’s opening matches of the 2022–23 season, James appeared poised to play a significant role for England in Qatar. However, tragedy struck the right-back when he suffered serious knee ligament damage in the Champions League match with AC Milan.
Although the initial reports on the injury were favorable, a second opinion revealed damage that will take up to eight weeks to heal. The World Cup starts in less than four months.
For his club and country teammate, Mount was devastated to learn the extent of the injury.
“You know what Reecey brings,” he said. “He has been absolutely brilliant this season. He stepped up and has been one of the best players in the team.
“To see that happen to him, as a very close friend of mine, is gutting to see. I was absolutely gutted for him.”
Mount is almost certain to play for England at the World Cup if he avoids injuries between now and then.
However, he is not actively attempting to do so, instead concentrating on giving his all for Chelsea.
“I try not to ever think about not going 100% because I might get injured. I go into every tackle and game 100% but these things happen in football,” he said.
“Look, when you have got a massive World Cup coming up you don’t want it to happen but you have got to stay focused in every game you play. It is massively important for us to win games in the Premier League at this stage and you have got to try to stay fit.
“It is difficult and tough, we’re grinding out these games and hopefully when the World Cup comes around you will be as close to 100% as you can be.”
