Graham Potter has confirmed right-back Reece James will miss today's crucial match against Leeds United due to a tight hamstring. The under-fire manager has already been without the key Chelsea player for 15 matches this season, with Saturday's clash adding to that particular tally.
After revealing that James was a doubt in his Friday press conference, Potter confirmed the news on Saturday morning. "Reece is feeling a bit of tightness which is sometimes understandable coming back from injury," Potter explained on the club's website. "We have been assessing him this week and feel it is too soon for the game today.
"There is a strong chance he will be available for Tuesday [against Borussia Dortmund] but this game comes too soon." The Cobham academy graduate has only recently returned from a knee injury he first sustained against AC Milan back in October.
READ MORE: Graham Potter has already shown who may replace Reece James for Chelsea vs Leeds United
Having missed the Qatar World Cup due to the knee problem, he suffered a setback in his first game back, as he was forced off after 53 minutes at Stamford Bridge in the final game of 2022. Since making his return, Potter has been managing the defender's workload to avoid further setbacks in his recovery.
James played the full 90 minutes during last weekend's defeat to Tottenham, and trained with the Blues throughout the week. However, he did miss Friday's session due to the hamstring issue, and the focus is now on ensuring he is fighting fit for the huge Champions second-leg tie against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Potter will also be without Thiago Silva at Stamford Bridge, after the Brazilian was confirmed to be out for six weeks with a knee ligament injury, while Mason Mount was another name to add to the injury list as he looks to overcome an abdomen issue. Of course, the Blues boss has no shortage of players to choose from, though the wing-back they signed in January, Malo Gusto, is both on loan at Lyon and actually at Cobham but only to rehabilitate an injury of his own.
For much of last season Cesar Azpilicueta acted as James' deputy on the right but he is still working through concussion protocols having been knocked out against Southampton in February. Potter has not necessarily relied upon the club captain to fulfil the role on the right however and already tried some alternatives.
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