England’s Reece James to see specialist over knee harm amid World Cup fears

Chelsea right-back Reece James will meet with a specialist over the weekend to find out the extent of his knee harm, supervisor Graham Potter stated on Friday after British media reported the England defender might miss the World Cup in Qatar.

James, 22, sustained the harm late within the second half of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory at AC Milan within the Champions League and was withdrawn after receiving medical remedy on the pitch. Potter was unable to offer a timeframe for James’ restoration however any long-term absence could be a blow for England, with Manchester City proper again Kyle Walker additionally a doubt for the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup after present process groin surgical procedure. “Yesterday he felt not too bad, but until you get these things checked you never know,” Potter instructed reporters earlier than Chelsea’s Premier League journey to Aston Villa on Sunday.

“Until we get that, there’s not too much I can add. It would be speculation on my perspective. Let’s wait and see. There’s no point looking at a doomsday scenario just yet.” Chelsea’s defence had already been weakened by Wesley Fofana sustaining a knee harm towards Milan at Stamford Bridge final week and Potter stated he was unlikely to return earlier than the World Cup. Midfielder N’Golo Kante, who has not featured since mid-August as a result of a hamstring downside, additionally stays sidelined after struggling a setback in his restoration and can see a guide on the weekend, Potter stated.

Chelsea will journey to Villa Park in advantageous type, having picked up their fourth successive win throughout all competitions to stay unbeaten since Potter took cost in September. “I’ve been impressed with the guys and their attitudes have been fantastic,” Potter stated. “(We) had a few games in a short space of time, so we’ve had to use the group as wisely as possible. “The main focus is going game to game and progressing. I don’t think we’re at the limit and there is more to come from the team and individual.”

Chelsea are fourth within the league standings with 16 factors from eight video games, whereas Steven Gerrard’s Villa are sixteenth with 9 factors from as many matches.