Reece James is expected to be out for eight weeks so he has to check off a participation in the 2022 World Cup.

The full-back injured his knee in Chelsea’s Champions League win against AC Milan in midweek and had to be substituted after just under an hour.

According to the club’s official website, the defender will be out for up to eight weeks.

“Following the knee injury he sustained away against AC Milan, Reece was treated by Chelsea FC’s medical department and saw a specialist over the weekend. After consultation with everyone involved, Reece will now complete a rehabilitation program and is expected to be out for eight weeks. “

It is suspected that the scans revealed a ligament injury, but fortunately it did not require surgery.

With the World Cup starting in five weeks and Gareth Southgate set to name his provisional squad for the tournament next week, James will not be called up.

James isn’t the only England right-back to suffer an injury setback in recent weeks: Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off injured in Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday. However, TAA’s injury is not as serious as James’ as he is expected to be out for just two weeks with an ankle injury.

James is already the second star at Chelsea to miss the World Cup: N’Golo Kante is also unable to recover in time after suffering a thigh injury.

This article was originally published on 90min.com as 8 week break for Reece James: Worlds Participation Run.