Chelsea defender Reece James suffers ankle injury

Chelsea defender Reece James has reportedly withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad after suffering a minor recurrence of the ankle problem picked up during the summer.

The teenager returned from a lengthy ankle injury last month to make his Blues debut against Grimsby Town in the League Cup and he managed to impress with a goal and an assist.

According to Goal.com, James has sustained an ankle concern in training with the Young Lions and he has been sent back to the Blues' Cobham base for further treatment.

However, the setback does not appear serious and he could return to regular training ahead of the Blues' Premier League clash against Newcastle United next weekend.

James has been touted by the fans as the future right-back of the club but manager Frank Lampard has so far resisted the prospect of starting him ahead of club-captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Chelsea are presently behind fourth-placed Leicester City on goal difference. They have the opportunity to win their fifth game on the bounce across all competitions when Newcastle visit the Bridge.