Chelsea hopeful James will be fit for Arsenal game

Chelsea are hopeful that Reece James will be available for Tuesday’s London derby against Arsenal.

The young right-back, who signed a new long-term contract last week, limped off towards the end of Saturday’s defeat at Newcastle.

The injury is to the back of the knee and not as serious as initially feared.

Chelsea are favourites for the game at Stamford Bridge – see betting sign up offers for more details – and three points would be huge boost in the battle for a top-four finish.

James, who was previously troubled by an ankle problem, will be assessed ahead of the match and could feature against the Gunners.

He is certainly expected to be available by the time Chelsea face Hull City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Blues boss Frank Lampard explained: “He’s got an injury to the back of his knee.

“It’s not as bad as it could have been, or we maybe thought. He’s in contention for tomorrow but it’s going to be a tight call.

“We’re going to give him another 24 hours to see if it settles down. It’s settled down pretty quickly so far.

“He had injuries with his ankle and I was concerned about that. When it wasn’t that, I was quite happy, and now it seems it’s not as bad as it could have been.

“I won’t absolutely count my chickens but hopefully he’ll be involved tomorrow. If not, for the weekend.”

Marcos Alonso has been passed fit following a hamstring problem and is in the Chelsea squad.

Meanwhile, Lampard has indicated that Chelsea could look to sign Paris St-Germain striker Edinson Cavani.