The Italian journalist said “make no mistake”, the Blues are concerned about this latest setback.

The 24-year-old had just returned from a hamstring problem, but that same muscle is troubling him once again.

It is a huge blow for Mauricio Pochettino, who is now without his first-choice right-back and captain.

Chelsea worried about Reece James

It is not a shock to hear that Chelsea are worried about James. Whenever they get the England international back, he picks up another injury.

It will now be interesting to see what they do from here. Do the club let him try to heal naturally again, or do they opt for surgery?

Whatever avenue they go down, hopefully it works because the Chelsea captain is such a good player and important part of the team.

In the Blues’ 4-4 draw with Manchester City just before the last international break, he made an incredible five tackles, the most in the game (WhoScored), and recorded an assist.

It was the kind of performance that sums James up. He is the complete modern-day full-back, able to attack and defend.

Chelsea are now going to have to cope without that and Marc Cucurella, who is also out injured.