Medical insider: Chelsea set for Reece James boost as images emerge
Chelsea will not be without Reece James for too long.
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in injury and data analysis.
James was forced off after just an hour as Chelsea beat AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro on Tuesday (11 October).
Images shared by @IMechanisms on Twitter showed that the 22-year-old had twisted his right knee.
As quoted by BBC Sport after the game, Graham Potter revealed he is unsure how long the right-back will be out for.
“He certainly hasn’t been ruled out of this weekend’s trip to Aston Villa,” Dinnery told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Although we saw last weekend that Graham Potter is not afraid to change up his squad, there was seven changes there.
“There’s a lot of strength in depth in that squad and with just N’Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana the only long-term issues, everyone else in that squad is adaptable so there are several ways that he can set his team up.
“It makes sense that if there are any concerns with Reece James then he won’t be risked.
“From seeing it, it doesn’t really look too serious. Although you can never fully tell.
“Over the next 24, 48 hours tests will be undertaken and fingers crossed those come back relatively clear. Reece James shouldn’t be too far away.”
James’ injury will be of particular concern to England manager Graham Southgate.
Kyle Walker is a doubt for the World Cup while Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off with an injury during Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday (9 October).
In other news, a finance guru has tipped Chelsea to win a £50million-plus “bidding war” as an approach is made.