Reece James sunk to the floor and needed replacing after 62 minutes (Picture: Getty)
Reece James went off injured during Chelsea’s 2-0 Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday night with Graham Potter ‘hoping he’ll be okay’.
James sunk to the floor and needed replacing after 62 minutes after chasing Rafael Leao, with Potter replacing him for Cesar Azpilicueta.
It could be a big blow for Chelsea, with the England international right-back featuring heavily under both Potter and former boss Thomas Tuchel this term.
The 22-year-old has taken part in all but one of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season – only being rested for a midweek defeat to Southampton in August – and has played the full 90 minutes in six of Chelsea’s other seven games.
James has also played the full 90 minutes in all of Chelsea’s Champions League fixtures this term prior to tonight, highlighting his importance to the side.
Potter was coy when asked about James’ injury and says updates will follow in due course.
‘Reece, we’re hoping he’ll be okay,’ Potter said following victory at the San Siro over the Italian champions.
’24-48 hours is too early to give you anything more than that.’
Jorignho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got on the scoresheet for Chelsea in their 2-0 win over AC Milan.
Aubameyang’s goal means he has now scored in his last three games for the Blues, having netted in the reverse fixture and also against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea’s two goals followed a first-half red card for AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, who was sent off for a foul on Mason Mount inside the box.
The west London club are back in action on Sunday when they travel to face Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.
Chelsea’s next Champions League game, meanwhile, falls on October 25 with a trip to Red Bull Salzburg for their penultimate Group E game.
Potter’s side are top of the group on seven points following two wins, a draw and the opening defeat to Dinamo Zagreb – which saw Tuchel sacked last month.
MORE : Jamie Carragher says Fikayo Tomori red card ‘feels harsh’ in AC Milan vs Chelsea match
MORE : Roy Keane names Graham Potter among best three current Premier League managers
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A blow for Chelsea and England…