It probably needs some time – Gareth Southgate provides injury update for Reece James

England manager Gareth Southgate has stated Reece James’ injury will probably need some more time. James decided to withdraw from England squad and he will miss their second Euro 2024 qualifying game against Ukraine on Sunday due to injury.

Southgate provided an update on James’ injury and he stated that the right-back is more cautious after picking up an injury, which made him miss the World Cup.

“Reece has gone back, he’s not completely happy with how his leg feels. He was a little bit concerned about that earlier in the week,” Gareth Southgate told reporters.

“I think, probably for him, the injury after the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup has made him a little more cautious at this moment in time. It probably needs some time.

“It is not unusual to have a serious injury and then smaller injuries on the back of that. With Reece, it is a case of building his resilience to load and him being comfortable with that. With him, the club tends to play a game and we are a bit more cautious on the next one. He is a really good player and he has got absolutely everything and could be anything he wants to be. This is a temporary thing and hopefully, he can overcome that pretty quickly.”

Meanwhile, England is already without the services of Luke Shaw as the defender picked up a red card in the first match against Italy.

Reece James’ condition will be assessed by Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who will decide if he is fit to play against Aston Villa on 1st April in the Premier League clash.

England had won by 2-1 against Italy and the Three Lions will look to keep the winning impetus on against Ukraine.