Chelsea defender Reece James is reportedly expected to be out for just three to four weeks following his latest injury setback.
The right-back was forced to miss the World Cup after suffering an injury in a Champions League match in October.
Although the 23-year-old was disappointed to miss representing England in Qatar, he was able to be patient with his recovery in order to return to action against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
James fulfilled that goal, impressing during the Blues’ dominant first half performance, but he was forced to leave the game early in the second half.
While James was able to leave the field without assistance, he was visibly unhappy with his latest fitness setback as he walked down the tunnel.
After the game, head coach Graham Potter stated that he would ‘keep his fingers crossed’ that the injury was not as severe as some had feared.
However, according to The Athletic, James is expected to return to action before the end of January.
According to the report, James underwent an injury scan on Wednesday morning, after which it was revealed that he would be out for three to four weeks.
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As things stand, James will miss six games for Chelsea, three of which are against Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League and EFL Cup, respectively.
Chelsea will also face Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day, as well as Fulham and Crystal Palace in London derbies.
Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to fill in at right-back or right wing-back for James, but Chelsea has also been linked with additions during the January transfer window
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