Chelsea have been hit by a major blow for the London derby clash with West Ham as new captain Reece James picks up a hamstring injury.
West Ham welcome rivals Chelsea to the London Stadium for the first derby of the new season on Sunday.
Last week star player Reece James stated he had realised a dream after being named Chelsea captain.
But there’s a nightmare for James and Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the big game against the Hammers this weekend.
Because Chelsea have been hit by a major blow for the London derby clash with West Ham as new captain James picks up a hamstring injury.
James was substituted in the 76th minute of Chelsea’s season opener against Liverpool.
But Pochettino claimed the decision was due to tiredness, not injury.
But now Football London claims James will miss the game at West Ham with a new hamstring injury in what is as big a boost to David Moyes as it is a blow to the Blues.
Right-back is arguably one of the only positions Chelsea do not have quality in depth as their relentless spending spree continues.
As well as being captain and a superb defender, James is also arguably one of Chelsea’s biggest attacking threats.
So this news will be a big relief for Emerson Palmieri, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals and Lucas Paqueta.
Moyes will surely now look to try and expose that left-hand side.
Another factor will be the loss of James’ leadership in a Chelsea dressing room bursting with new players getting to know one another and the league.
If selected, midfielders Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Moises Caicedo are in line for their respective West Ham and Chelsea debuts in the derby this weekend.
West Ham vs Chelsea is live on Sky Sports this Sunday in a 4.30pm kick-off.
Any other transfers completed by either club before then would need to be registered with the Premier League by midday on Friday to be eligible for the match.