Reece James is battling to be fit for England’s World Cup campaign (AP)
The Football Association is unhappy with Chelsea over their handling of Reece James’ injury, according to reports.
James suffered a knee injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, which has put his hopes of making England’s World Cup squad under serious threat.
Subsequent tests have confirmed that the 22-year-old will not require surgery, but an eight-week lay-off means he won’t be fully fit for the start of England’s World Cup campaign in Qatar.
England’s opening game in Group B is against Iran on November 21.
According to MailOnline, the FA questioned Chelsea’s decision to allow James to remain in Milan the day after the game, rather than order him to return to London straight away.
It’s understood that James’ injury worsened overnight and a decision was then made for him to travel back to England on Wednesday evening.
Reece James suffered a knee injury in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over AC Milan (Shutterstock)
James flew back to London via easyJet without his knee in a brace but he was given extra leg room on the flight.
A scan on Saturday revealed that James had suffered ligament damage to his knee.
Chelsea’s statement read: ‘Following the knee injury sustained in our away match against AC Milan, Reece has received treatment from the Chelsea medical department and visited a specialist this weekend.
‘After consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks.’
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Speaking before Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, Graham Potter said of James’ injury: ‘It’s a big miss for us. We’re disappointed he’s out.
‘We are going to have to deal with that and help him get back fit as quickly as we can.
‘I spoke to him yesterday. He is disappointed to be out. We are going to have to deal with that and help him.’
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James’ place at the World Cup is now in major doubt.