Reece James does not require surgery on his injured hamstring but will miss around two months to pile further misery on Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
The right-wing back limped off during Wednesday nightβs draw versus Brighton with the injury now diagnosed as a hamstring tear.
The England international underwent initial scans on Thursday which flagged up the suspected tear and further examinations on Friday have confirmed the severity of the injury.
And James is expected to miss around six to eight weeks of Chelseaβs season - in news that will come as a major blow to Tuchel during what has been the toughest period of his reign so far.
But Sportsmail understands that after initial concerns that James could require surgery the 22-year-old does not need an operation to fix the problem, news that will arrive as a big relief to the club because it means he can start his rehabilitation programme far quicker.
Nevertheless the prospect of being without a player, who has arguably been their player of the season so far, will arrive as a blow.
vecbnprsy
0
My best academy graduate so far. QUICK pal.Blue for lifeπͺπͺ
Fiadeiloty
0
This is the end of Chelsea, Tuchel we be sack very soon mark my words.
πno one trophy π since 5 years No be juju be that ?
Oluwafiber5
0
He is good but he ainβt up to Arnold like no one on this planet right now is up to Arnold but Yh james is good but sometimes he can be inconsistent, I wish him quick recovery but he should try and be strong like Arnold πππ
did you remember the injury hook him out of his natural position???
Cuodekmnry
1
get well soon brother
ChelseaGoBluesGo
1
Less Goooooo
Zipcdimt
0
Really sad
Ais21
0
TT negative football is killing Chelsea players fast fast , another out of the season, before Feb almost all Chelsea players will be injured bcos of TT negative football. Chelsea might not make it pass 2nd around in UCL with so many injuries, TT is really building a team no one will like to play against, πππ.
This is out of hatred, what do you meam by negative football? Injuries are bound to happen in soccer. Do you mean Klopp also played negative foot when his squard was hit hard last season?
yimadkopu
0
TT negative football is killing Chelsea players fast fast , another out of the season, before Feb almost all Chelsea players will be injured bcos of TT negative football. Chelsea might not make it pass 2nd around in UCL with so many injuries, TT is really building a team no one will like to play against, πππ.
That's not how football work
ShubhankurSharma
0
Only Chelsea player I'd take at city to replace walker. Gws james.
kwek22
1
Don't laugh at other people's down fall because everyday is not the same
Caobimnryz
3
TT negative football is killing Chelsea players fast fast , another out of the season, before Feb almost all Chelsea players will be injured bcos of TT negative football. Chelsea might not make it pass 2nd around in UCL with so many injuries, TT is really building a team no one will like to play against, πππ.
ajasaemma2004
2
He is good but he ainβt up to Arnold like no one on this planet right now is up to Arnold but Yh james is good but sometimes he can be inconsistent, I wish him quick recovery but he should try and be strong like Arnold πππ
Leuadeimp
2
Chelsea hero pls come back soon you are a real blow to us fans
Lekdepsty
1
speedy recovery
kasbdlprsz
2
quick recovery Reeceπͺ
danriwbik
0
This is the end of Chelsea, Tuchel we be sack very soon mark my words.
eat ur words
Alfred-90G
1
In Chelsea I trust
Hesbclopsu
0
This is the end of Chelsea, Tuchel we be sack very soon mark my words.
meanwhile Ole without a trophy for United work for 3 years
Donbash89
1
This is the end of Chelsea, Tuchel we be sack very soon mark my words.
VanSultan
2
I just hope James comes back stronger and better
Pucciklst
1
Please don't miss out on the top 4... December really hit us bad...so many injuries, so many covid cases , a lot of disappointing results and then the whole Lukaku thing ...Oh man ! I just hope we recover from all this setback quickly.
Hipbcdmrt
3
Quick recovery
Jupdelpyz
2
Chelsea need to replace these injured wingbacks as soon as possible in the January transfer window, my prayers go to the injured Chelsea players
championofcapua1
2
Ahhh Chelsea
MrJEY_25
3
When Chillwel was injured you initially said he'll avoid surgery but now seeππππ
footymaniac
2
bye bye in FPL, never buying you.
Bauklnpty
2
Get well soon Reece. We really need you on the pitch.
ijelejoe
2
sad News quick recovery my guy
Amgnonijunior
2
Sad news for us π’ π Our prayers are with youπ― π Quick recovery Reece James ππ