James suffers another injury setback

Chelsea’s Reece James has suffered another injury setback.

The 4-0 win over Burnley on Saturday was only James’ third game back since returning from two months out with a hamstring injury. He has previously been hampered by ankle problems.

And Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed that the wing-back has picked up another muscle injury.

“Reece James has a bit of muscular problem after the last three matches,” Tuchel said.

“Not his injured leg, it is the other leg. But we need examination. We thought he could maybe be on the (training) pitch today, but he couldn’t, so we need further examinations to see what’s going on.

“He felt it during the match at Burnley, so that’s why we took him out and it didn’t get better.

“So we are worried, but still we need some more details and some more information.

“It was obvious what he gives to our team and can give to our team. So it’s not good news at the moment. It’s a setback for sure, but I hope not a big one.”

Ben Chilwell was pictured training outside this week but Tuchel insists the defender is a long way off making his return.

“I think they did the photo during the one minute he was outside,” Tuchel said.

“So we were all pretty excited, but it was just that the weather made it possible that he can do the exercise he normally does inside outside.

“They made him smell the grass, get a bit excited. But, not even close to football, team training, whatever.”