CHELSEA were dealt a huge defensive blow after Reece James was forced off against Newcastle with a knock.
The right-back, impressing in his breakthrough campaign with the Blues, appeared to pick up an ankle injury following a collision with Ciaran Clark.
Reece James was forced off the field with an apparent ankle injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty
James, 20, was wincing in pain on the ground as he received treatment.
It quickly became clear he couldn’t continue and was replaced for the final 15 minutes by Emerson.
James did manage to limp off down the tunnel without the aid of the physio to receive a further diagnosis of his injury.
Boss Frank Lampard will be hoping it’s nothing serious with James seriously impressing against the Toon.
He was arguably their best player on the field before Lampard was forced into a change.
James will now remain a huge doubt for the visit of Arsenal on Tuesday – before their FA Cup fourth-round clash against Hull.
The defender was making just his seventh league start of the season and has impressed throughout the campaign.
His absence off the field may have contributed to Newcastle’s last-gasp winner as Isaac Hayden sensationally headed home in the dying embers.
James hobbled off down the tunnel and will now be a doubt to face ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Lampard says no decision has been made on Olivier Giroud’s future
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
