Graham Potter could be left scratching his head for ideas if the latest Chelsea team news rumours prove to be true. The Blues will welcome Southampton to Stamford Bridge as either side looks to return to winning ways.
However, despite the west Londoners' promising signs of improvement, Potter could be without Reece James. According to @C345Sam, a team news specialist, the 23-year-old will not be named in the squad to face the Saints.
Naturally, this has aroused suspicions that James could be injured. He suffered a knee injury against AC Milan in November following a collision with Theo Hernandez before later aggravating his knock upon his initial return.
READ MORE: Chelsea star Reece James fires clear four-word message after Borussia Dortmund defeat
However, for now, it remains to be seen whether the early team news report is true and, if so, why James has been omitted. So, with that being said, football.london have taken a look at the options Potter has if the rumours that claim the defender is absent are true.
Fofana thrown in the deep end
Wesley Fofana was an unused substitute on the bench against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League round of 16 first-leg. He has only recently stepped up his recovery following injury so opting for the Frenchman at right-back in a back-four could be a little too much too soon.
Azpilicueta to roll back the years
Azpilicueta could be relied upon at right wing-back if Potter decides to utilise a back-five in James' absence. If that proves to be the case, the Spaniard must be prepared to roll back the years and put in the hard yards.
He's featured at right wing-back a number of times for Chelsea, though not to the same impact of James which allows us to segue into the next option - Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Dusting off the cobwebs
In James' absence, Loftus-Cheek has come closest to posing as much of a threat as James at right wing-back. The 27-year-old has impressed in a back-five, with his midfield qualities shining through.
However, since the appointment of Potter, Loftus-Cheek has been preferred in a double pivot so he'll have to dust off some cobwebs should he returns to right flank.
Winger wildcard risk
Potter has been known to operate a winger at wing-back in the past; Leandro Trossard at Brighton; Raheem Sterling at Chelsea. With Hakim Ziyech and Noni Madueke the only available right-wingers to the Blues boss, either of the duo could fill in for James, if the rumours are true.
READ NEXT:
Every word Graham Potter said on Andrey Santos, Mount contract, VAR and Chelsea injuries
Man United takeover bidders net worth compared to Chelsea and Arsenal as Qatar update emerges
Malo Gusto to return to Chelsea from Lyon after suffering hamstring injury
Graham Potter must take unpopular Chelsea decision vs Southampton to protect impressive star
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
