Chelsea’s James to miss England’s World Cup campaign after being ruled out for eight weeks

Reece James will miss England’s World Cup campaign in Qatar after Chelsea confirmed the defender will be out of action for eight weeks.

James was forced off in Chelsea’s midweek Champions League win over Milan at San Siro with a knee injury.

And the Blues have now confirmed he will undergo a “rehabilitation programme” that will keep him sidelined for two months.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Following the knee injury sustained in our away match against 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.”

The news will come as a huge blow to England manager Gareth Southgate, particularly with fellow right-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker also battling injuries.

Walker faces a race to be fit in time to make the squad after undergoing surgery for a groin issue, while Alexander-Arnold has struggled for form this season and is sidelined with an ankle problem.

England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 22.