Reece James ‘a major doubt for Chelsea’ as they prepare for London derby against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday… as injury issues continue to plague the Blues

Reece James is reportedly a major doubt for Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal on Saturday.

The defender has only made one appearance this season and suffered a hamstring injury in August, which put him behind.

Mauricio Pochettino had hoped to reintroduce his captain to the Premier League soon.

However, he has withdrawn from group training and is training alone, with his return likely to be further delayed, according to the Evening standard.

A full-blown injury crisis has hit the Blues like a blow this season and they sit 11th in the table.

Reece James is reportedly a major injury doubt for Chelsea’s match against Arsenal

Mauricio Pochettino had hoped to reintegrate the club captain, but now his comeback appears to have been postponed

James made one Premier League appearance in August but has not featured since

In addition to James, Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia, Marcus Bettinelli and Axel Disasi have been ruled out or are major doubts.

Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Benoit Badiashile all have question marks hanging over their heads too.

Against Bournemouth last month they had just fifteen fully fit first-team players to choose from.

Arsenal will prove ruthless opponents in a London derby between two teams in opposite states of mind as they face different starts to the 2023/2024 season.

While Chelsea are struggling for form in the middle of the table, the Gunners are second in the Premier League in terms of goals scored and are unbeaten in the top flight so far this season.