Chelsea have been handed a major injury boost after an initial diagnosis of Reece James’ injury sustained in their 2-0 win over AC Milan suggested it was not serious, per reports. The England international was brought off in the first half of their Champions League fixture in Italy after landing awkwardly during a challenge, sparking concern for his manager Graham Potter and England boss Gareth Southgate.
The 22-year-old appeared to suffer a knee injury following a challenge on Milan defender Theo Hernandez and received treatment on the pitch before attempting to soldier on. However, after a few more minutes of the pitch and stretching for another tackle, it became clear he needed to be substituted.
Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta came on to replace James as he made his way down the tunnel for further assessment, with worrying signs that James could face a similar spell on the sidelines to Wesley Fofana, who also recently injured his knee.
But according to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, the initial diagnosis of James’ injury is that it is ‘not serious’, which will come as a major boost for both Potter and Southgate.
