- Reece James picked up an injury during Chelsea’s 2–1 win over Liverpool on Saturday.
- The England defender has returned to Chelsea for further tests and treatment.
- Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has earned his first senior call-up as James’s replacement.
- England manager Gareth Southgate now faces mounting injury worries ahead of the Wales and Latvia fixtures.
Chelsea defender Reece James has been ruled out of England’s upcoming international fixtures after sustaining an injury during his team’s Premier League victory over Liverpool.
Although James completed the entire match, the Football Association confirmed on Monday that the right-back has withdrawn from the national team to undergo medical evaluation at Chelsea’s Cobham training centre.
The nature and severity of the injury have not yet been revealed.
In response, England coach Gareth Southgate has handed Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly his first-ever senior call-up.
The 20-year-old has been in fine form for City, earning praise for his composure and creativity in midfield. He is expected to join the squad ahead of England’s games against Wales and Latvia.
James’s exit adds to Southgate’s growing list of injury concerns, as the manager continues preparations for the upcoming international break.
The England camp will now hope the defender’s injury is not long-term, given his importance both to club and country.
