The 22-year-old appeared to be a nailed-on starter for Gareth Southgate’s starting XI in Qatar until he suffered a knee injury in the Champions League victory over AC Milan in September.
James flew to Dubai to undergo an intensive rehabilitation programme as part of his bid to recover in time for England’s World Cup campaign which begins against Iran on 21 November.
But the Chelsea star revealed on Wednesday he would not be part of the final 26-man squad following conversations with Southgate.
In post shared on social media, James said he was ‘devastated’ to have missed out, insisting he was prepared to take the risk over his fitness.
Chelsea will now hope to have a fully rested and recovered James back when they resume their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth on 27 December.
Reacting to news of his player missing out, Potter told Sky Sports ahead of the EFL Cup clash against Manchester City: ‘He tried his best. It’s a blow for him, England and for us.
‘He came off against Milan. A world-class player like Reece, we miss. It’s now just about trying to give him the perspective that he’s got a long and big career ahead, a lot of time.
‘There’s not much you can say at the moment. It’s a World Cup and he wants to play.’
Chelsea will resume their season just 10 days after the World Cup final with the timing of the winter tournament frustrating club managers, including Potter.
‘We were talking about it, you know, whoever wins the World Cup, what does that look like?
‘You’ve got to say “listen guys, don’t have that open top bus or don’t celebrate with your country, you’ve got to get back because we’ve got Bournemouth on Tuesday”.
‘I say that with the greatest of respect to Bournemouth, you know my point. It’s unique, it is what it is and we’ve got to deal with it.’
MORE : Graham Potter explains starting Chelsea teenager Lewis Hall against Manchester City
MORE : Brad Friedel warns Christian Pulisic faces uncertain Chelsea future even if he stars for USA at the World Cup
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