
<p>The message posted on Reece James’ Twitter account started with one word: “Devastated.” It was confirmed today that James would play no part in the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 World Cup</a> in Qatar, which begins in just 11 days.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https:\/\/t.co/VHkxLenJhH">pic.twitter.com/VHkxLenJhH</a></p>— Reece James (@ReeceJames) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/ReeceJames/status/1590326978619789313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>James had been terrorizing opponents on the right wing for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> until injuring his knee against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League on October 11. Since the injury, he has been working hard to get back to fitness in time for the England squad announcement expected tomorrow.</p>



<h3>Just how good is Reece James?</h3>



<p>Already one of the best right backs in the world right now, James still has plenty of time to improve. He turns 23 on December 8, the day before the Quarter-finals are due to be played in Qatar. His stats from the past 12 months demonstrate what an elite talent he is.</p>



<p>James ranks in the 98th percentile for defenders in terms of non-penalty goals scored. He ranks in the 99th percentile for the following metrics: shots, assists, shot-creating actions, dribbles completed, touches, and progressive passes received. With expectations for the England Men’s team soaring before the tournament, losing James is a blow Gareth Southgate would rather have avoided.</p>



<h3>Who could replace James?</h3>



<p>The options at right back have been <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/gareth-southgates-world-cup-headaches-20221107-WST-407171.html">widely debated</a>. Kyle Walker is still returning from injury and is a doubt for the squad. Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold will surely be in the squad. A late shout could be made for Ben White, who has been playing for English Premier League leaders Arsenal at right back.</p>



<p>With today’s news confirming Reece James will miss the tournament, Gareth Southgate still has options, though he may be less confident in the options he has. Reece James adds to <a href="https:\/\/www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/world-cup-injuries-2022-miss-injury-players-out-tracker-list/pjxap5kg2t3iwkgphfyg9hqo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the list of England players</a> who will miss the World Cup through injury including Emile Smith-Rowe (groin), Kalvin Phillips (doubtful, shoulder), and Chelsea teammate Ben Chilwell (hamstring).</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Reece James: England will miss out on him at the World Cup due to injury. .How badly will England miss the Chelsea right back?

How big of a loss is Reece James for England - World Soccer Talk

How big of a loss is Reece James for England


<p>A pair of <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea </a>stars now seem like the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> is out of reach. Both have injuries that will not allow them to return to full fitness for the competition. </p>



<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France </a>international <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2021/05/26/ngolo-kante-the-quiet-and-unassuming-superstar/">N’Golo Kante</a> will miss the upcoming World Cup due to a hamstring injury. <a href="https:\/\/theathletic.com/3693494/2022/10/14/ngolo-kante-france-chelsea-world-cup-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Athletic</a> claims the Chelsea star midfielder suffered the setback in training and is expected to be on the sidelines for about three months. The World Cup begins in just over a month.</p>



<p>Kante previously injured his hamstring during a draw against Tottenham Hotspur back in August. The 31-year-old midfielder has not featured since. However, it appears as if Kante recently re-injured the hamstring as he attempted to gain fitness.</p>



<p>The Frenchman has made 53 appearances for his country and was a vital part of France’s 2018 World Cup triumph.</p>



<p>To make matters worse for Chelsea, head coach Graham Potter also claimed that Reece James will soon see a specialist about his injured knee. ”Reece is due to see a specialist over the weekend so until we get that information, there is not too much more I can add,” <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/63260342" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated Potter</a>.</p>



<p>When asked if his right back could also miss the World Cup, Potter urged caution on the situation. “We need to check the discomfort and see a specialist,” the coach continued.</p>



<h2>Chelsea players not healthy enough for World Cup</h2>



<p>“Yesterday he felt not too bad but until you get these things checked we never know. There is no point looking into the doomsday scenario yet. We need to check and then go forward.”</p>



<p>James injured his knee during his team’s 2-0 victory against AC Milan on Tuesday. The <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England </a>international was substituted out of the match in the 62nd minute due to the incident.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“It’s a setback, it’s not good news”. Graham Potter, worried for N’Golo Kanté situation after new injury. 🚨🔵 <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a><br><br>“He&apos;s due to see a consultant at the weekend. It’s not positive news… I can&apos;t give you anymore”. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/KUJTaIeyNt">pic.twitter.com/KUJTaIeyNt</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1580900879955173376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Potter also acknowledged that missing a massive tournament like the World Cup would be demoralizing for his players. “If anything happens like [missing the World Cup], they are going to be disappointed,” Potter proclaimed. “They are human beings and they want to go.”</p>



<p>“It’s about dealing with the upset and we will help them with that. I can’t think of anything from my career that compares with missing the World Cup.”</p>


A pair of Chelsea standouts look like they will both be unfit for the World Cup while recovering from injuries sustained at club level.

Chelsea players Kante and James both doubtful for World Cup

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How big of a loss is Reece James for England

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Chelsea players Kante and James both doubtful for World Cup