Graham Potter offers ‘disappointing’ Reece James update after injury in Bournemouth win

Graham Potter has issued an update on Reece James after he was forced off injured during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Chelsea came out winners on Tuesday evening in their first game back from the World Cup as first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount sealed all three points to end the winless run, which included three defeats in a row.

They also welcomed back James from a knee injury sustained in October as he was handed a start in the capital.

His return was noticeable from the off as Chelsea looked comfortable in and out of possession, but in the 52nd minute bad news struck.

James quickly asked the Chelsea bench to make a change and he collapsed to the floor, looking to be upset that he could have suffered a setback on his knee.

He was able to get up and walk down the tunnel, being replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta, and now he will await checks by the medical team in the coming days to learn the severity of the injury.

Chelsea can’t catch a break with injuries to the side this season, a story of the last few years for the Blues, but Potter is keeping his fingers crossed for the England international.

Speaking post-match, he said: ‘It’s the same area so we’re concerned. We’ll have to see in the next 24-48 hours.

“It is a bit too soon but it was in that action, a chop, and he felt something. We have to keep our fingers crossed at the moment.

“He is disappointed, of course. At the moment, we’re just hoping it isn’t as bad and we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

Potter confirmed both pre and post-match that the plan for James was to only play a portion of the match against Bournemouth. Unfortunately for Chelsea, he came off earlier than planned due to an injury which nobody wanted.

Potter added: “The plan was for him to not play 90 tonight, the plan was for him to play 60/65 minutes.

“We just have to hope it’s not as bad as it was and that he can get on a speedy recovery.”

Chelsea face Nottingham Forest on Sunday on New Year’s Day and James’ involvement is unclear, however it is very unlikely that he’ll be available for selection for the trip to the City Ground.