Chelsea bit by crushing Reece James injury blow as return timeline revealed

Reece James will miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against PSG at Stamford Bridge, with the Chelsea captain expected to be out of action for a number of weeks

Chelsea captain Reece James is set to be out for several weeks with another hamstring injury, according to reports. The right-back, who signed a six-year contract with the club last week, missed the open training session on Monday, just two days after the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Liam Rosenior's players took part in training ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League last 16 second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. However, James was nowhere to be seen despite playing 90 minutes on Saturday.

It's the 10th different hamstring injury the Blues defender has had to either leg since the end 2020. "Reece, he's felt something in his hamstring at the end of the Newcastle game," Rosenior said.

"We don't know the full extent of the injury, but he will be out for tomorrow's game. It could be [serious]. With a hamstring injury, it's never great. Hopefully we can get him scanned and find out the full extent."

James has played regularly in the last 15 minutes after having his fitness carefully managed by Chelsea. After committing his future to the club, James spoke to journalists and was asked how he felt fitness-wise.

"I'm in a really good place at the moment, my body’s feeling good," he said. "I’m playing on a regular basis, two or three games a week and I just try and help the team as much as I can and do what’s right.”

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The injury places doubts over James' chances of playing for England at the World Cup this summer.

After Kyle Walker's retirement from international football, the 26-year-old was a favourite to travel to North America, but he will now miss the friendlies later this month against Uruguay and Japan.

In 2022, James missed out on selection for the World Cup after a serious knee injury a month before the squad was announced. Thomas Tuchel has until May 30 to name his 26-man squad for the tournament meaning there is still hope.

For Chelsea, James' latest injury blow comes at the worst-possible time. The Blues have suffered with a number of absences in recent week, though Estevao Willian has returned to training ahead of the home trip against PSG.

The winger was involved in the open training session on Monday after missing four weeks with a hamstring injury. However, Malo Gusto, Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen all missed the session.

Rosenior is set to conduct his pre-PSG press conference later today and James' injury is expected to be at the top of the agenda. Estevao's chances of featuring against the European champions will also be a topic of conversation.

Chelsea currently trail 5-2 after the first-leg and require a three-goal swing to seal their spot in the last eight.

While the PSG tie is their immediate focus, Chelsea also have an important Premier League showdown with Everton on Saturday to think about. The international break follows that match on Merseyside, and Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals is the Blues' first game back on April 4.

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