Chelsea are back to winning ways in the Premier League after they avoided a fourth consecutive loss by defeating Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge, but it came at a cost. Already ransacked by injuries, with Wesley Fofana and Armando Broja both ruled out in preparation for the game, they had to watch Reece James go off once more.
The 23-year-old was making his first appearance since early October after missing most of Graham Potter's time in charge with a knee injury. His return was in anticipation of slowly building up fitness after the international break but his initial absence came through injury before being rested.
It was noticeable that Chelsea put the handbrake on somewhat after James went off, holding out for a 2-0 win courtesy of first half goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount. It has become the story of Chelsea and James in recent history. When the full-back plays they are balanced and often brilliant, without him, ideas dry up.
