Chelsea captain James sidelined by injury again

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Chelsea’s injury-plagued captain Reece James has been ruled out of Saturday’s game against Leicester.

James returned to action prior to the international break but is again struggling with hamstring trouble and will not be involved when the Blues return to action against head coach Enzo Maresca’s former club.

Maresca explained: “He felt something small. It’s a muscular problem and we don’t want to take any risks. Hopefully it’s not something longer.”

James, 24, has been continually hampered by injury in recent seasons.

He featured in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal the weekend before last – only his fourth appearance of the season – but has suffered yet another setback.

He picked up his latest injury during a training session on Tuesday.

And Maresca admitted it is unclear how long James will be unavailable for.

“He has to be out for sure this weekend and then we’ll see. At the moment we don’t know how long,” the Italian said.

“I know it’s not easy but it is even harder for him. Sometimes things happen even if you want to avoid it. This weekend he is not available and hopefully he can be available soon.”