Reece James set for new role after Thiago Silva injury as Terry prediction made

Chelsea news: The Blues will need someone to step into the void left by Thiago Silva on the field after a new injury worry in what is a fresh blow for Graham Potter

Chelsea's lack of leaders has been evident for a while but perhaps never more so than during this run of games under Graham Potter. Questions have been asked of the manager himself and whether he is the right person to motivate groups to win but that is largely besides the point.

New and young players will take time to develop whilst learning the language and acclimatising happens over a period too. It has all made it much tougher for Potter to lead, though there is little indication he has lost the support of his squad like previous coaches.

Both physically and mentally it is a blow for Chelsea. The 38-year-old hasn't been on the field when the Blues have conceded in the last two matches but still occupies as much, if not more, of a presence as he ever has. His minutes have risen since joining despite his age and he is still on course to play more than in any season since arriving 2020.

The 23-year-old took the armband when Silva was subbed off against Tottenham in the first half. He also missed the loss to Southampton due to injury worries. Now he seems set for a spell with the captaincy.

Azpilicueta's return will be carefully managed after sustaining a head injury last weekend and James is the obvious candidate to be skipper. He has shown his qualities in this role before and is a leader by example rather than with loud, booming speeches. Silva is a similar character due to his lack of English.

Against Leeds he is already the most likely replacement for Silva and it's something John Terry has tipped him for previously. “We miss Reece so much when he doesn’t play," he said earlier in the season. "22 years old and a future captain in my opinion.”

Terry was famously captain having come through the club's youth system and has been followed by James and Mount as players that have been captain on differing occasions. Now it appears the time is for James to step into the role on a more consistent basis.