Chelsea suffer fresh Reece James injury blow

Chelsea captain Reece James has withdrawn from international duty with England due to a minor hamstring injury, according to The Athletic.

The right-back has been a regular part of the Blues' plans this campaign, but he has been handled with extra caution by manager Enzo Maresca.

Maresca has started James on the bench on several occasions and he has also left him out of matchday squads to recover from minor niggles.

James was recently picked in the Three Lions squad by manager Thomas Tuchel, but he has withdrawn citing his ongoing fitness issues.

The 25-year-old will now report at the Cobham training complex to recover from his minor hamstring injury ahead of the season restart.

Chelsea have picked up only 11 points in the ongoing league season, but recently made a statement with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

James started the game in the right-back role, but operated in central defence after an early second half injury to Benoit Badiashile.