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Reece James has been told by manager Gareth Southgate that he will not be part of England’s World Cup squad.
James was called by Southgate on Tuesday to be informed he is going to be left out of the 26-man squad, which is being officially announced on Thursday afternoon.
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Southgate does not want to risk taking the 22-year-old as he is still recovering from a knee injury sustained against AC Milan last month.
James has been optimistic he could recover in time to make the trip despite a scan showing he had sustained ligament damage. The 22-year-old, who had to wear a knee brace for four weeks as part of his rehabilitation, jogged for the first time at Chelsea’s training ground on Tuesday. A specialist told him that he had a chance of playing again by the end of the month, with England’s last group game against Wales on November 29 a possible target.
But Southgate, who is a big admirer of James, has decided he cannot afford to take a chance on the defender and is leaving him behind.
In a social media post, James said: “Devastated.
“The minute I injured my knee, I knew the turnaround to make the World Cup would be tight, but I always felt it was possible. I’ve worked harder than I ever thought I could to give myself the best chance of going and truly believed I could help the team.
“I appreciate there was risk on both sides but it was one I was willing to take.
“Good luck to the boys. I’ll be back soon. Stay safe and sending love.”
James, who has 15 caps, was left devastated by the news but respects the decision. He will now continue working with Chelsea to get over the problem.
The Chelsea players not involved in the World Cup will be travelling to Abu Dhabi next month for a training camp and to play at least one friendly. James is aiming to be involved.
Chelsea, who have picked up just two points from their last four Premier League games, have sorely missed James and will hope he will be available for selection in their first Premier League game after the World Cup against Bournemouth on December 27.
Head coach Graham Potter said recently that he expected James would need four weeks of rehab following wearing a knee brace for four weeks.
He is the second Chelsea player to miss out on playing for England at the tournament through injury. Ben Chilwell is also not going due to suffering a serious hamstring injury last week against Dinamo Zagreb.
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