Reece James is a major doubt for the World Cup and is facing an eight-week absence (Picture: Getty)

Reece James is almost certain to miss the World Cup with the Chelsea star facing an eight-week injury lay-off.

The 22-year-old looked certain to play a pivotal role for the Three Lions in Qatar, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Kyle Walker’s fitness and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s indifferent form.

James was substituted just after the hour mark in the midweek Champions League win over AC Milan was initially confident he had avoided a serious setback.

Chelsea are yet to confirm the extent of the injury, but the Telegraph reports that James is facing a significant spell on the sidelines, although he hopes to avoid surgery despite sustaining knee ligament damage.

Gareth Southgate is set to name his 26-man squad on November 10 and although James is said to feel he is capable of recovering in just six weeks, it remains to be seen how prepared Gareth Southgate is to take risks with the fitness of any of his players.

Regardless, James will not play for his club before the domestic and European seasons break, meaning he will miss key fixtures against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United as well as the finale of Chelsea’s Champions League group stage campaign.

The Blues face Aston Villa on Sunday when Potter will likely provide an official update after he refused to make any firm commitment in his pre-match press conference.

‘Reece is due to see a specialist over the weekend,’ Potter said. ‘Until we get that information there’s not too much I can add unfortunately.

‘It would just be speculation from my side so we’ll wait and see. He felt not too bad yesterday but until you get these things checked you never know.

‘We need to get it checked with the specialist and then we’ll know how we can move forward. We’ll see.’

Chelsea are also set to be without N’Golo Kante for three months after the influential midfielder suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, while compatriot Wesley Fofana is also out for the next six weeks at least.

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The 22-year-old is set to miss the next eight weeks.