CONOR GALLAGHER has hit England and Chelsea with an injury blow having hobbled off injured at Brentford after just 15 minutes.
The midfielder started for the Blues but was replaced by Mateo Kovacic having picked up a knock at the Gtech Community Stadium.
It comes following the news of Reece James’ knee injury suffered against AC Milan, which could keep him out of the World Cup.
And Gareth Southgate has now been hit with potentially more misery as Gallagher came off injured.
Already Kyle Walker is another doubt for the winter World Cup in Qatar, with the final squad announced on October 20.
For Chelsea manager Graham Potter, Gallagher’s knock comes after confirming N’Golo Kante faces a fight to get fit in time for the World Cup.
He said: “He’s due to see a consultant at the weekend.
“It’s a setback so it’s not good news. But anything other than that, at this stage I can’t give you any more.
“Historically, there are things which have happened which are a concern and we need to get the bottom of that.
“It’s a setback in the last stage of his rehab so again that’s worrying.
“But all we can do is get the right diagnosis, the right consultation and then try help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football.”
Chelsea later confirmed Kante will be out for the next four months following surgery.
Kante and James join summer signing Wesley Fofana on the injured list.
