Report claims Reece James is ‘major doubt’ for West Ham clash
The Athletic are reporting that Chelsea defender Reece James is a major doubt for his side’s clash against West Ham on Monday night.
James has been a key player for Frank Lampard’s side this season with the 21-year-old only missing one Premier League game so far this season.
It is looking like he will miss his side’s game against the Hammers however with The Athletic reporting that James had a scan on a knee injury on Saturday.
The report states that James has been struggling with this injury for a while but due to the injury being deemed ‘minor’ he has been able to play through it.
This no longer seems to be the case as Chelsea wait for the results of the scan but it looks as though James will miss Monday’s Premier League clash.
This comes as a Hammer blow to Lampard as he faces the prospect of taking on an in-form West Ham side without one of his key players.
James has one goal and two assists in the Premier League this season as well as having five clean sheets to his name.
He has also featured prominently in the Champions League for Lampard’s side as the young England international continues his remarkable development.
Cesar Azpilicueta is the most likely candidate to replace James on Monday and West Ham’s pacey wingers will relish the chance to play against the 31-year-old.
Chelsea have lost their last two games in the league and the Hammers will be looking to pile more misery on the Blues when they travel to Stamford Bridge.
The Irons did the double over Chelsea last season and Hammers fans will be hoping their side can continue that form into the new season.
James’ reported absence could have a huge impact on the game and the Hammers have to exploit Chelsea’s weakened right flank at every opportunity.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes has explained the timing of Michail Antonio’s new Hammers deal.