Reece James injury: Alonso reveals knee setback behind Bournemouth absence

Reece James faces further assessment after a knee injury in training ruled the Chelsea captain out of Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Xabi Alonso confirmed James felt discomfort on Friday and underwent tests later that afternoon, having previously been expected to return to the squad.

The setback explains his omission from the Chelsea team named against Bournemouth, with Jordan Henderson partnering Moisés Caicedo in midfield.

Reece James injury to be assessed week by week

Alonso stopped short of giving a return date when asked about James after the match.

“We need to check how long it will be. We need to assess him week-by-week,” he said, in comments reported by Standard Sport.

The knee problem is a fresh concern for a player whose recent availability has also been affected by hamstring issues.

James had been among the players cleared to return in Friday’s update, as covered in our Premier League team-news round-up.

Caicedo returns as Chelsea win emphatically

While James missed out, Caicedo made his first start of the season following a calf injury, with Alonso praising the midfielder’s influence after the win.

Reuters’ post-match report confirmed James’ training setback alongside the manager’s assessment of Caicedo’s return.

Caicedo’s preparation had included friendly minutes against Portsmouth.

Henderson and João Pedro each scored twice against Bournemouth, with Morgan Rogers also on target. Chelsea next travel to Everton on Saturday 17 October, but James’ availability remains uncertain.