'The race against time is on, but we won't give up' - Chelsea's James clings to his World Cup dream

Reece James hasn't given up on his World Cup dream despite being ruled out for eight weeks with a knee injury.

James was substituted in Chelsea's 2-0 Champions League triumph over Milan in midweek, and the Blues confirmed on Saturday that the right-back will undergo a 'rehabilitation programme' which will keep him in place gap for two months.

That would mean he would miss England's World Cup campaign in Qatar, which kicks off against Iran on November 22.

A statement on Chelsea's official website reads: "Following the knee injury sustained in our away game against Milan, Reece has received treatment from Chelsea Medical Services and has visited a specialist this weekend.

"Following consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation program and is expected to be out for eight weeks."

James, however, doesn't seem to have ruled out being part of Gareth Southgate's squad.

Posting to Twitter, the 22-year-old said: "The race against time is on… But we won't give up."

Southgate faces a problem on the right side of defense ahead of the tournament, with fellow right-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker also struggling with injuries.

Walker faces a race to get fit in time to make the squad after undergoing surgery for a groin problem, while Alexander-Arnold has struggled for form this season and is ruled out with an ankle problem.