FA CHIEFS are furious with Chelsea for their handling of Reece James’ knee injury sustained last week, according to reports.
England bosses have been rocked by the news that James, 22, is set to be out for up to eight weeks after picking up a serious injury during last week’s 2-0 win over AC Milan.
Reece James sustained a knee injury against AC Milan
The full-back received treatment on the pitch
After meeting with medical staff after the match, James was allowed to stay in the Italian city for a scheduled day off.
According to the Mail, the decision to let the full-back stay in Milan, rather than rushing him home for immediate treatment, has left FA bosses dumbfounded.
They add that James’ injury worsened overnight, and he eventually flew home on an easyJet flight on Wednesday evening.
Scans on Thursday morning showed that James had sustained serious knee ligament damage.
Despite the nature of his injury, the defender is refusing to give up on his World Cup dream.
Chelsea wrote in an official statement: “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.”
James then tweeted: “The race against time is on… but we won’t give up.”
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England’s World Cup opener against Iran kicks off in five weeks’ time.
While the final will take place in Lusail on December 18.
England are facing a potential selection headache at right-back, with Kyle Walker also facing a race to be fit.
While the out-of-form Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to be sidelined by injury for the rest of October.
James will miss key Prem fixtures while out of the Chelsea team, including clashes with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City.
