Graham Potter hopes Chelsea star Reece James 'is okay' after injury setback. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Speaking in an interview after Chelsea’s game against AC Milan in the Champions League as quoted by Metro, Blues manager Graham Potter has claimed that he is hoping that Reece James is okay after suffering an injury at the San Siro.
In a match that the Blues won convincingly 2-0 thanks to a penalty from Jorginho and a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang goal, Chelsea received a setback due to the injury to James. The English right-back, who has been one of the Blues’ best players this season had to be substituted in the 62nd minute.
This will come as a huge blow to both Graham Potter’s side as well as England, with Gareth Southgate clearly preferring the Chelsea man as his first choice option in that position. The Blues do not have a natural replacement for the Englishman either, with Cesar Azpilicueta the most likely one to fill in.
The 22-year-old English defender has played 11 times for the Blues this season scoring two goals and providing two assists across all competitions. An excellent assist maker and goal scorer, James is the perfect definition of a modern day fullback.
He has played in all but one of the Premier League fixtures for the Blues this season. James has also played the full ninety minutes in all of Chelsea’s Champions League games this campaign prior to yesterday when he had to be taken off.
Speaking about the right back, Potter said he was hopeful for the Englishman to be back soon but he was not very sure.
“Reece, we’re hoping he’ll be okay. 24-48 hours is too early to give you anything more than that”
Chelsea have had a great start to life under Graham Potter. They have won four straight matches across all competitions and are now looking to build on what has been an excellent beginning. That said, Reece James’ injury is a huge blow.
However, there are players who can deputise in those positions. Cesar Azpilicueta is the obvious choice whilst Potter can also choose to play someone like Ruben Loftus-Cheek out there. Another option could be to deploy one of the left-backs in the role as a temporary measure.
Ideally, the Blues will be hoping that James will return soon from his injury. Southgate will also be sweating about the fitness of the Chelsea man so close to the World Cup. It remains to be seen how the prognosis turns out for the 22-year-old.
A huge season awaits Potter and the Blues. The former Brighton manager looks to be building an exciting project with the squad and let’s hope it continues for a long time.
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