Overview
- The FA confirmed James sustained an injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Liverpool and was ruled out of October internationals following medical assessments.
- O’Reilly, 20, has been promoted from Lee Carsley’s Under-21s and is training with the seniors ahead of Thursday’s Wales friendly and the October 14 qualifier in Riga.
- Originally a midfielder, O’Reilly has been deployed at left-back under Pep Guardiola and has started several recent matches, offering positional versatility for England.
- Chelsea’s staff view James’ withdrawal as a precautionary move and will use the international break to rest and reassess his availability before the Oct. 18 trip to Nottingham Forest.
- O’Reilly said he was “buzzing” after Tuchel’s call and now comes into contention for a potential debut during this international window.