Chelsea captain Reece James missed the team's training session on Tuesday, October 13, raising concerns just days before their Premier League trip to Everton. His involvement in the match remains in doubt.
James had already sat out the match against Bournemouth, where Chelsea secured a convincing 5-1 victory. After that game, head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that the player is dealing with knee issues.
The Spanish manager described the injury as one of the minor problems affecting the team's rhythm lately. He emphasised that James's condition will be assessed weekly, but no specific timeline for his return was given.
James's absence from training added to the sense of unease ahead of their visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Chelsea will face Everton on Saturday, October 17. However, missing one training session does not necessarily mean the defender will be ruled out of the match.
Amid the concerns surrounding their captain, there is some good news for Chelsea. Following the international break, the team has returned to winning ways, thrashing Bournemouth 5-1. Players who had previously faced health issues, including Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, are gradually returning to training and match readiness.
Now, the medical team will need to assess James's fitness for the upcoming fixture. The final decision on his participation against Everton will depend on his recovery and the ongoing condition of his knee.
