March 04, (THEWILL) – Graham Potter has confirmed that Chelsea right-back, Reece James, will not be playing in Saturday’s game against Leeds United.
James had been listed as doubtful after sustaining a hamstring injury, but Potter had been hesitant to give a definitive answer. Speaking to the club’s in-house media, Potter said: “Reece is feeling a bit of tightness which is sometimes understandable coming back from injury. We have been assessing him this week and feel it is too soon for the game today.”
Chelsea is already facing injury woes with the absence of centre-back, Thiago Silva and midfielder, Mason Mount. N’Golo Kante is also not expected to be fit enough to feature against Leeds. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Christian Pulisic may make the squad after his return to training.
Cesar Azpilicueta is also expected to replace James after being cleared from concussion protocol, following his head injury against Southampton.
The game against Leeds United is a crucial one for Chelsea as they try to continue to struggle under Potter with wins difficult to come by. Despite the big-money transfers that have joined Stamford Bridge under Todd Boehly and Potter, there have been only two victories since the end of the World Cup in December.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
