Chelsea make Reece James decision ahead of Leeds clash

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has officially ruled right-back Reece James out of Saturday’s meeting with Leeds United.

James was confirmed as doubtful during Potter’s press conference on Friday after suffering a hamstring injury, but the boss was initially reluctant to make any definitive decisions.

With the day of the game now here, Potter has confirmed James will not be ready to play a role.

“Reece is feeling a bit of tightness which is sometimes understandable coming back from injury,” the boss told in-house media. “We have been assessing him this week and feel it is too soon for the game today.

“There is a strong chance he will be available for Tuesday [against Borussia Dortmund] but this game comes too soon.”

Chelsea are already without centre-back Thiago Silva and midfielder Mason Mount through injury, while N’Golo Kante is not expected to be fit enough to feature against Leeds after only returning to training in the past few days.

Christian Pulisic could make the squad after the American winger made his own return to training, while Cesar Azpilicueta is now likely to replace James after being released from concussion protocol following his nasty head injury against Southampton.