Reece James faces surgery prospect as Alexander-Arnold handed World Cup lifeline

Liverpool ace Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed a huge World Cup lifeline after Chelsea star Reece James' latest injury woes.

James was poised to be named England's main right full-back for the competition that begins in November. But that was before he went off injured in Chelsea's 2-0 win against AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The defender hobbled off the pitch on his own accord and the sight of him leaving the game sent fans into a panic on social media. And now the Daily Mail reports James may need surgery after further examination of the injury.

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Surgery will likely ruin James' chances of appearing in Gareth Southgate's squad, and open the door for Alexander-Arnold to occupy the vacant position. The Reds star was facing the prospect of missing the plane to Qatar following his torrid start to the season.

His defensive frailties have been exposed on several occasions in the current campaign, leading critics to label him a 'Championship quality' defender. The 24-year-old was exposed once again in Liverpool's defeat to Arsenal last week, and fans blamed him for the Gunners' opening goal.

But the Anfield ace is facing his own race to be fit for the World Cup after he went off injured at half-time during his nightmare performance against Arsenal. And Kop boss Jurgen Klopp expressed fears over the injuries picked up Alexander-Arnold and team-mate Luis Diaz after the game.

Is Trent Alexander-Arnold good enough to replace Reece James in England's World Cup squad? Let us know in the comments below

However, if he does pull through in time, Alexander-Arnold may also be deployed on the left flank with Manchester City star Kyle Walker also a serious doubt for Southgate's squad after he was injured during his side's 6-3 win over Manchester United.

Newcastle star Kieran Trippier has been tipped to fill Walker's boots, but the debate rages on over whether Alexander-Arnold will be a better fit for the position despite his stuttering form. One certainty is that Jurgen Klopp will have to do without his star right-back for Liverpool's game against City on Sunday as he's been ruled out for at least two weeks.

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