Chelsea are optimistic about the injury Reece James suffered during their Champions League tie against AC Milan on Tuesday, according to The Telegraph.
James came off with an injury against Milan, but the club’s diagnosis has produced positive results after an encouraging assessment.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter told football.london): “We are hoping he will be okay. We’ll need 24-48 hours because it is too early to tell you anything more than that.”
The Blues will reportedly reassess James on Thursday before declaring any timeline for his return. But he is expecting to receive good news.
James’s absence is a blow for Potter’s side, who are gathering steam under their new manager.
The full-back has arguably been Chelsea’s most consistent performer this season. The Cobham graduate is formidable in defence a dangerous outlet for the attack.
In other injury news, Chelsea are without Wesley Fofana, who suffered an injury in the first leg against Milan. N’Golo Kante has also suffered a setback in his recovery and is sidelined.
Chelsea travel to Birmingham this weekend to face Steven Gerrard’s faltering Aston Villa. The Blues want to maintain their grip on a top-four spot and inch closer to third-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Cesar Azpilicueta or Ruben Loftus-Cheek will deputise for James. However, Potter is as unpredictable and could spring a tactical surprise.
Early predictions claim James will also miss the trip to Brentford three days after the Villa game but could return for the match against Manchester United.
