Chelsea’s Reece James withdraws from England squad after injury

Chelsea defender Reece James has withdrawn from the England squad after sustaining an injury during Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Liverpool, the Football Association said on Monday.

James, who completed the full match, left the camp following medical assessment by England’s team doctors. The FA did not specify the nature or severity of the injury. Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has been called up as a replacement.

Chelsea are already without several defenders, including Benoît Badiashile, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill.

The 25-year-old, who has struggled with hamstring injuries in recent seasons, has made four league starts this campaign under manager Enzo Maresca after appearing in 12 matches last season.

James will use the international break to recover, with Chelsea next scheduled to face Nottingham Forest on Oct. 18. Midfielder Moisés Caicedo was also left out of Ecuador’s squad for fitness reasons, though reports suggest his absence is precautionary.