Chelsea right-back has refused to rule out his dream of playing in the World Cup in Qatar next month.
Reece James was injured in Chelsea’s Champions League victory over AC Milan at the San Siro after clashing with AC Milan attacker Rafael Leo.
Graham Potter revealed that Reece James will be out of action for eight weeks, which automatically rules him out of the World Cup. The 22-year –old is currently in rehab on crutches and in braces.
However, Reece James has revealed that he refused to rule himself out of the World Cup and he expects to be in Gareth Southgate 26 men’s squad for the World.
What did Reece James say about his chances of playing at the World Cup?
Reece James said in an interview with The SUN: “I need to keep working hard over the next few weeks and see where I am on call-up day.
”I will try not to rule myself out. It is still slow and in the early stages.
“I have been in rehab for two weeks, so I am still taking it day by day. The Chelsea medical staff have not given me a percentage of my chance of being back for the World Cup.
“It is down to how I feel closer to the time and how stable it is. It is going to be very tough.
“It is an injury that could take a long time and it came at an awkward period, but I am trying my best and hopefully it is possible and if it is not, I know I tried everything.”
Reece James also added that he hopes to start swimming next week and perhaps start running.
The 22-year-old added: “I am trying to be positive. I am not sure how long this injury will take.
“I am not in pain. But if I try to speed it up, it might be a bit of a risk. I am trying hard every day to improve and make it right and get fit as soon as possible.
“You are more gutted in the early stages of the injury and then you have to get your head around it.
“I don’t know when I will be able to run again. I ask that question every day but the medical team does not give many answers.
“You don’t go from walking to running. That is a difficult thing about injuries — you have to do it in stages, so I have to start running in the pool first.
“Hopefully, this will be in the coming days.
“Each day, I come in and get assessed, and then I go on electric machines and receive therapy.
“I go to the gym and the pool. After that, more treatment.”
James has revealed that England National Team manager Gareth Southgate spoke with him after the injury.
He continued: “He asked me how I was, how bad it was but it was not in-depth.
“I played in the England games and thought I played reasonably well.
“So to then get injured before the World Cup is not what you want.”
Gareth Southgate will reveal his final 26 men’s squad for the World Cup on 10th November.
