Why Reece James is absent for Chelsea vs Leeds tonight?

Chelsea captain Reece James has been left out of the matchday squad against Leeds United tonight due to illness, according to manager Liam Rosenior.

The England international missed the games against Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers due to a minor injury, but was expected to return against the Whites.

However, James has not made the squad for the Premier League encounter. Rosenior has revealed that a flu has kept the right-back out of the game tonight.

He said: "Yes [it's the same bug]. Staff have been down, my coaching staff, staff around the club. Fortunately, only Reece from the playing staff is affected at the moment."

Chelsea have been in sublime league form with four straight wins and they are favourites to beat Leeds in front of their fans tonight.

The Blues will jump to fourth in the league standings if Manchester United fail to beat West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Chelsea will be in FA Cup action against Hull City after facing Leeds. They travel to the MKM Stadium for Friday's late kick-off.