Chelsea captain Reece James has just suffered another injury blow with the World Cup just months away.
It looked like James had finally overcome his injury woes after playing regularly for Chelsea this season and last term.
However, the defender has a fresh hamstring problem that will concern the Blues. There has at least been one bit of good news, though.
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Reece James can still play at two World Cups before retiring as he avoids season-ending injury
Despite his latest injury, James still has a good chance of making this summer’s World Cup.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has shared on X that sources expect the right-back to be available for the tournament.
James was not fit enough to feature at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, meaning that he is yet to participate in the competition.
Reece James of England in action
Photo by Jack Thomas – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
It feels like it was only yesterday when James was graduating from Chelsea’s academy and making his debut for the Blues, but he is now 26.
He will be 30 by the time the next World Cup comes around, which is likely to be his second and last.
Of course, with James out for several weeks, he will still miss Chelsea’s second-leg tie against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16.
Reece James too good a player to only go to one World Cup
James is widely considered one of the best full-backs in world football. That has been the consensus for years now despite all of his injury problems.
Even when Chelsea lose, he’s brilliant 💥
The best right-back in the world!
A footballer of that quality only playing at one World Cup in his career would be a travesty. Thankfully, that should not happen, given that the expectation is he will be available for England in the summer.
There is no guarantee James will make the squad for the 2030 World Cup. But at 30, as long as the Three Lions star stays fit and performs well during the 2029/30 season, he should play at what would likely be his second and final World Cup for his country.
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