Thomas Tuchel rules out Chelsea defender for Southampton clash

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has dismissed the possibility of Reece James facing Southampton in the Premier League.

The England international suffered an ankle injury against Manchester City, and subsequently missed the Juventus game.

Gareth Southgate recently named him in the Three Lions squad, but Tuchel has stated that the right-back won't be fit to play.

He has been ruled out of tomorrow's league encounter, and may not be available for the upcoming international games.

In his absence, Cesar Azpilicueta has been playing at right wing-back, but Tuchel may look to change things on Saturday.

Tuchel has highlighted that a number of players are suffering from fatigue, and he could make a few changes in personnel.

Callum Hudson-Odoi could come in the right wing-back position. The Blues are currently third in the league standings with 13 points.

They can potentially go top of the table with a win if Liverpool and Manchester City share the spoils at Anfield on Sunday.