Graham Potter has already been without Reece James for 15 matches this season, and it seems plausible that Saturday could bring one more against Leeds United. The Blues boss noted that James was a doubt for the game as he is suffering with a tight hamstring.
With a game on Tuesday that Chelsea's season is pretty much riding on against Borussia Dortmund, utilising the defender may be deemed a risk too far, given his load was already being managed when he was rested against Southampton. James did not feature in Chelsea's training on Friday.
Potter's task has been made more difficult by being without Thiago Silva, 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 wingback 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.
