Chelsea’s Reece James limps off injured against AC Milan after appearing to hurt his knee

England could be left nervously waiting for a fitness update on Reece James after the full-back went off injured during Chelsea’s Champions League tie against AC Milan.

James limped off injured and was withdrawn by Chelsea boss Graham Potter just over an hour into the game after appearing to hurt his knee at the San Siro.

Chelsea will have to assess the 22-year-old in the days following the game, with England and Gareth Southgate forced to wait for an injury update just over a month before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar.

The England defender (middle) had to be substituted by Chelsea manager Graham Potter

When asked about James’ injury after the game, Chelsea manager Graham Potter said: ‘We’re hoping he’ll be okay, it’ll be 24, 48 hours to find out, so it’s too early to give you anything more than that.’

Joe Cole added: ‘He lands awkwardly and it’s one of them you won’t know until 24/48 hours what damage is done.  

‘He will have a bit of swelling and be sore tomorrow but the fact that we all collectively held our breath shows how important he is for England. 

‘For England he is vital. We winced when saw it. I really hope for his sake and the country’s sake he is fine.’

Meanwhile Reece took to Twitter after the game to say: ‘Fingers crossed it’s not a bad one. Love for all the messages, I appreciate you all.’

Gareth Southgate will be left sweating over the fitness of the defender ahead of the World Cup

James has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, scoring two goals and registering the same number of assists in all competitions so far this season.

The attack-minded full-back has established himself as one of England’s defenders and is widely tipped to start for England in his favoured right-back position at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

England legend Stuart Pearce told talkSPORT he was worried the injury could cause a headache for Gareth Southgate ahead of the 2022 World Cup. 

The attack-minded full-back has established himself as one of England’s defenders and is widely tipped to start for England in his favoured right-back position at the World Cup in Qatar

England legend Stuart Pearce (above) is worried the injury could cause a headache for Gareth Southgate ahead of the 2022 World Cup

Pearce said: ‘It certainly is. He’s in such a good vein of form. I was waxing lyrical about him in the first-half. 

‘His energy, his drive, his commitment. Let’s hope it’s nothing too serious. We saw him jar his knee. The fact that he carried on, don’t be fooled by that.

‘With knee ligaments, sometimes you can have quite a serious injury and you carry on with it by running in straight lines. I really hope it’s only precautionary.’