James delay dismay

and had a scan the following day which showed he had sustained knee ligament damage.

James returned to London on an easyJet plane without medical support and his knee was not in a brace, though he was given extra leg room on the flight. Earlier in the day he had posed for pictures with Chelsea fans while appearing to be sightseeing in Milan.

James saw a specialist yesterday and there are no immediate plans for surgery, which may increase his chances of making the World Cup, although that is seen as a long shot. He is refusing to give up hope, as he has always been a quick healer. Chelsea are also unlikely to rush him back as he has emerged as a key player under Potter.

Chelsea are understood to be standing by their handling of James, who held talks with Potter and club medical staff at the San Siro on Tuesday evening before it was decided he could stay in Milan for the pre-planned day off with several team-mates. The injury worsened overnight however, and after speaking to the medical team on Wednesday morning he flew back that night.

Chelsea’s medical team have stayed in touch throughout with their counterparts at the FA, who believe James should have returned to London straight away. Given Chelsea have nine matches in the next four weeks there is bewilderment at Wembley at the club’s willingness to let at injured player spend an additional night abroad even without the added complication of the World Cup.

James’s absence in Qatar is particularly frustrating for Southgate as he is set to be without another right-back in Kyle Walker after groin surgery.