Reece James injury update and return date finally revealed

Reece James has been in outstanding form this season but hobbled off against AC Milan in the Champions League earlier this week and is set for a short spell on the sidelines.

The England international performed expertly well in the reverse fixture against the Italian champions and became the youngest Chelsea player to score and assist in the same Champions League game in the 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

But his outing at the San Siro was less successful after he lasted just 62 minutes before he was forced off with a knee problem.

According to Evening Standard, James will undergo further tests before Chelsea discover the extent of the damage.

The report claims that Graham Potter’s side are ‘optimistic’ he’ll make a quick recovery and Phillips reckons he’s likely to sit out the meetings with Aston Villa and Brentford and is targeting the visit of Manchester United on Saturday week.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It isn’t serious, but he is expected to miss a couple of games at least.

“They need to test his recovery, but I am told that the aim is for a Manchester United return. With some luck and good recovery, it could even be sooner.”

With James now expected to be sidelined for at least the next couple of Premier League games, Potter will have to make at least one change for the trip to Villa Park this weekend.

In truth, he doesn’t have another out and out right wing-back in his squad, but he does have two players able to fill in for James.

The first of those is Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who started three of the first four Premier League games there, although he hasn’t played there since.

That could pave the way for club captain Cesar Azpilicueta to make a rare start, especially after he played 90 minutes against Wolves.

James’ absence could also force Potter to revert to a back-four, which would suit Azpilicueta, who’s more suited to a full-back role than a wing-back one.