Reece James injury timeline revealed in huge Chelsea and England blow

Chelsea star Reece James missed England's World Cup campaign last year due to injury and could suffer the same fate for next year's Euros. James saw a specialist on Tuesday after lasting just 26 minutes in the game against Everton.

Chelsea later confirmed he'd suffered another hamstring injury. The statement read: "Captain Reece James has undergone medical assessment following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton. The defender was withdrawn during the first half at Goodison Park, and scan results have confirmed a hamstring injury." 

The 24-year-old has suffered seven hamstring injuries in the last 24 months and is now in a race against time to be ready for Euro 2024. LondonWorld sources say he's likely to be out for three months even though both Chelsea and the player are still assessing the situation and could decide to let him take surgery.

Chelsea have not put a timescale on his absence but are braced for more bad news, with surgery not ruled out to fix a recurring problem. He turned down the chance to play for England last month as he built his fitness but was determined to be ready for the Euros before the latest setback at Goodison.

Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier are England's first-choice right-backs, but a fit James is regarded by many as one of the best in the world and his presence would always give manager Gareth Southgate something to think about.

The England defender posted a message on his Instagram page after Chelsea confirmed he'd be out for a considerable time. The message read: “devastated”. He's not completed 90 minutes this season and manager Mauricio Pochettino left him out of the starting team against Manchester United before he picked up the blow at Goodison Park four days later.