REECE JAMES is a doubt for this weekend's Premier League clash between Chelsea and Arsenal, according to reports.
The defender suffered a hamstring injury in August and has spent the last seven weeks on the sidelines.
He missed the chance to make a return to Mauricio Pochettino's matchday squad earlier this month against Burnley due to a suspension.
Last month, James was charged with using “insulting or abusive” language when speaking to an official after Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa and subsequently handed a one-match ban.
The England star was expected to make his return this weekend against Arsenal.
However, he has been hit with another injury setback.
Read More on Chelsea
OH LO
Chelsea fans split as academy product 'too good to stay on the bench' set for exit
POWER UP
Get £40 in free Bet Builder bets when you stake £10 on football with Paddy Power
According to football reporter Nathan Gissing, James sustained another injury in training over 10 days ago.
He underwent a scan which was deemed fine, but he has since been training alone and is expected to miss Saturday's match.
Despite the setback, James is optimistic that he has avoided another major injury.
That means Malo Gusto, who is due to return from his suspension, is expected to start on the right.
Most read in Football
A PIZZA CAKE
England book Euro 2024 spot in style as Bellingham runs rings around Italy
POST HASTE
Ex-Man Utd target SUSPENDED over social media post month after joining new club
NEV-ER BETTER
Gary Neville told he ‘owned the chair’ in ‘utterly brilliant’ BBC debut
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Southgate drops TWO England stars from squad to face Italy in Euro qualifier
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Gusto was handed a three-match ban last month after being sent off for a dangerous foul on Lucas Digne during Chelsea's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
He subsequently missed games against Brighton, Fulham and Burnley – all of which the Blues won.
The Frenchman is set to line up alongside Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella in defence.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to have several players return this weekend.
Bukayo Saka – who withdrew from the England squad last week – is likely to return to the squad after missing the Gunners' clash with Manchester City.
Gabriel Martinelli is set to start after scoring the decisive goal in the 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola's side.
And Thomas Partey could also be named in the starting line-up after returning to full fitness.
Source: Read Full Article
