REECE JAMES' World Cup dream looks to be over after it was revealed he is facing EIGHT WEEKS out through injury.
The 22-year-old went off with a knee problem during Chelsea's 2-0 win over AC Milan on Tuesday night.
England fans were left desperately concerned about the extent of the injury as fellow Three Lions right-back Kyle Walker is already facing a race to be fit for Qatar.
And The Telegraph are now reporting that "barring a miracle" he will not feature again for Chelsea before the World Cup, with his availability for Qatar "in further doubt".
It leaves Gareth Southgate facing a selection dilemma ahead of the tournament, with Kieran Trippier expected to now be first choice to play on the right side of England's defence.
Walker, who can play as both a right-back and right centre-half, is a doubt after undergoing groin surgery.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold is also out with an injury until the end of the month.
And while he is set to be back well in time for the World Cup, Southgate did not give him any game time in their recent Nations League games against Italy and Germany.
James' injury was originally played down as merely a "minor jarring of the knee".
But he was then seen with a brace on his leg, which led to cause for concern.
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And now damage to the ligaments is set to keep him side-lined for a lengthy period of time.
Immediately after the Milan game, Chelsea boss Graham Potter said: “It’s pretty normal that as soon as there is a bit of discomfort the day or two after, you need to get it checked properly.
“There is discomfort so we just need to check and see a specialist.
"He has been in fantastic form for us, so fingers crossed we wait for good news."
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Chelsea now face a number of key games without James – including matches against Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City.
Potter's men currently sit fourth in the Premier League table after a five-game winning run.
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