Chelsea have reportedly received a fitness boost on Reece James ahead of the Premier League clash against West Ham United on Monday night.

The England international has been struggling with a knee injury of late and The Athletic recently claimed that he may need an operation.

The same publication has now revealed that the injury is not serious as initially predicted and the right-back does not require any surgery.

Still, it is significant enough to keep him out of action for the next few games at least and he may not return until the New Year.

In the absence of James, club-captain Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to start in the right-back position for the upcoming derby.

Chelsea are currently eighth on the table with 22 points, nine behind table-toppers Liverpool with the game in hand.

They are scheduled to host the Hammers tomorrow and it could be a tight encounter with the visitors in good form.

David Moyes' side did the double over them in the Premier League last season.