Chelsea will not have fond memories of their Champions League win over AC Milan earlier this week. While the hard-fought triumph in Italy boosted their hopes of securing their place in the knockout stage, it came at a heavy price. 

The Blues' English defender Reece James limped out of the Milan tie with a knee problem. The initial signs were that the 22-year-old, who has been in brilliant form for club and country this season, had not sustained serious injury. But a scan in London confirmed that he had damaged ligaments and could be out for six to eight weeks. 

"Yesterday he (James) felt not too bad, but until you get these things checked you never know. We will wait and see," Chelsea manager Graham Potter told a press conference on Friday.  

"He's due to see a specialist over the weekend, so until we get that information there's not too much else I can add unfortunately. There's no point looking into the doomsday scenario yet, we need to check and then go forward."

It is understood that a decision by Chelsea's medical team has yet to be taken as to whether James will require surgery. But with less than 40 days to the World Cup in Qatar, his place in the England squad is under serious threat.  

Even if James, England's first-choice right-back, chose conservative treatment, the injury will give him little chance of being ready in time for the beginning of the tournament. 

It would be a hammer blow for England manager Gareth Southgate, who has already lost Manchester City's right-back Kyle Walker following a groin operation and Liverpool's right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold due to an ankle problem.

In another devastating injury update, Potter confirmed that N'Golo Kante has suffered a fresh setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. The France midfielder has been absent since he sustained an injury in a Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur on August 14. 

"It's not good news, but I can't give you anything more at this stage," said Potter. "Historically there are things which have happened which is a concern, so we need to get to the bottom of that. 

"It's a setback at this stage of this rehab which is worrying, but all we can do is get the right diagnosis, get the right consultation, and try and help him get back to full fitness and enjoying his football." 

The 31-year-old, whose contract with Chelsea expires in the summer of 2023, will be out for about three months, which means it's highly unlikely that he will feature in Qatar.

Kante has played a vital role in Chelsea's trophy haul since his move from Leicester City in 2016, but he was plagued by injury this season, having made only two appearances in all competitions. 

Kante's unavailability will deprive France coach Didier Deschamps of one of the best midfielders in the world. The Chelsea star played in every match of the 2018 World Cup in Russia as France were crowned world champions for the first time in 20 years. 

Deschamps still had a cohort of midfielders to call upon, including Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Juventus' Adrien Rabiot, but none has Kante's perfect blend of defensive solidity and attacking aggression. 

France are due to start their World Cup campaign against Australia on November 22, and without the ever-dependable Kante, Deschamps will have a huge task at hand.