Chelsea send injured England defender Reece James to Dubai as he fights to save World Cup dream

REECE JAMES has not given up on realising his England World Cup dream.

The defender has flown out to Dubai in a last-ditch effort to help speed along his rehabilitation from a knee injury he suffered in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against AC Milan.

The Chelsea star is in a race against time to prove his fitness and be picked for Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad to go to Qatar.

James was given an eight-week timeline to fully recover from his injury, with had just half that time before the Three Lions squad was due to be picked.

Southgate is due to name his squad on November 10 but could face the hard choice of having to leave first-choice right wing-back James at home.

James, 22, has been accompanied by fellow Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana.

Fofana is also hoping to save his World Cup dream and earn a call-up to the French national team – who are the reigning champions after winning in 2018.

He is similarly suffering from a knee injury sustained against Milan, though the former Leicester star’s came during the 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

In a club statement, Chelsea said: “Reece James and Wesley Fofana will continue their rehabilitation programmes this week in Dubai.

“A member of the Chelsea medical department will accompany them.”

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James had been in inspired form for Chelsea prior to the injury, and Graham Potter’s side are now clearly lacking the thrust and defensive nous he provides on the right flank.

The fitness of Kyle Walker has already been a major cause for concern for England, and with James also facing an uphill battle to be fit it could see Kieran Trippier drafted into the first team.

Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold could now find a place in the squad despite his less-than-stellar form this season.

Bukayo Saka has also given England an injury boost after an injury scare during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

In an exclusive interview with SunSport, James recently opened up about vile racist abuse he has previously received from online trolls.