An explanation for the incoming absence of Reece James from Chelsea’s squad to face Southampton has been provided late on Friday.
The Blues, of course, are set to return to action tomorrow afternoon.
Fresh off another disappointing result at Borussia Dortmund in midweek extending the woes of Graham Potter’s troops to just one win in nine, Chelsea will welcome relegation-battling Southampton to Stamford Bridge, desperate for a return to winning ways.
The Londoners, though, will be forced to navigate such efforts sans the services of a key member of the club’s backline.
This comes amid confirmation that Reece James is set to play no part against Southampton.
As per the reliable Simon Johnson of The Athletic, the coaching staff in west London have come to the decision that the English international would be best served sitting out the weekend’s action.
James, it is understood, is simply in line to be rested, after playing more minutes than initially planned on the back of his return from a serious knee injury suffered back in October.
It is added that:
‘Chelsea are hopeful the rest will allow James to feature in important upcoming fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur on February 26 and the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Borussia Dortmund on March 7.’
Reece James has been left out of the #CFC squad to face Southampton tomorrow. But there is no cause for alarm. More below. #CHESOU https://t.co/FB2kYMeFKr
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) February 17, 2023
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