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.
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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.
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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: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
