Chelsea and England right-back Reece James has been ruled out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup set to be staged in Qatar.
With 10 days to go before the global showpiece; FIFA World Cup begins, reports in England suggest that James will miss the event with England after talks with national team head coach Gareth Southgate.
Sky Sports News in the UK stated that the player is devastated by the development but has accepted the manager’s decision.
Southgate is expected to announce a final squad on Thursday, and James will not be part of that team.
The talented defender picked up a knee injury against AC Milan in the Champions League and has been a major doubt for England.
JAMES DEVASTED…
The player himself had hoped to recover on time and even posted on social media saying he is hopeful it’s not a bad one.
“22-year-old James and his family are devastated that he will miss out, but they understand the England manager’s decision,” the outlet reports.
In an attempt to be fit for Qatar, James underwent an intensive rehabilitation program. However, Southgate has deemed his recovery not sufficient.
He is not the only one who will be missing from the England squad. Manchester City duo Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are also not expected to be included.
Both have missed a huge chunk of the season due to injuries. England is in Group B with Iran, USA and Wales.
Article compiled by Tlalane Phahla
