Graham Potter may have enjoyed his second Champions League win with Chelsea after their 2-0 win over Milan in Italy, the Blues’ gaffer however had to return to England with an injured Reece James. The full-back had almost put on another blistering performance against the Italian club, but had to be taken-off just after the hour mark. James was seen holding his knee after sustaining a knock in the 62nd minute, and couldn’t continue any further as Cesar Azpilicueta replaced him.
James has been a crucial part of this Chelsea side which is resurrecting under Potter. The England international has so far collected 2 goals and 2 assists from 11 games, delivering some solid displays defensively as well. However, injuries have plagued his run of brilliant displays having already missed 3 games so far this season, on top of 19 he spent on sidelines last season.
Potter gives early assessment of Reece James as he hopes the player ‘to be ok’
Reece James was once again stepping up for the Blue, having accumulated 91% pass accuracy, 4 accurate long balls, 5 ground duels, 2 aerial duels and 2 tackles won alongside a chance created. However, Chelsea were dealt with a huge setback with a 2-0 lead in their hands after James was knocked down with apparently a knee injury. Potter, in his post-match presser talked about the 22-year-old’s knock as he revealed:
“Reece [James], we’re hoping he’ll be okay. [We’ll need] 24-48 hours because it’s too early to tell you anything more than that.”
On being further asked about whether he has found life better at Stamford Bridge than expected after picking 4 wins out of 5 games with 3 clean-sheets Potter said:
“It’s hard for me to say no to that as I didn’t really have any expectations. I’ve been in football long enough to know that it’s hard to expect and predict football results. The important thing is the quicker you get to know the players, the quicker you can build trust and understand them better. But it is down to the guys, the players.
“They have really responded, been very honest and responsible and they want to do well. Our job is to try to help them and to try to help them enjoy their football. There is pressure and we want to win, but if they are enjoying their football there is quality in the team.”
Chelsea have really felt the impact of Graham Potter since his appointment, as he is yet to lose a game out of 5. The former Brighton manager is taking it game by game and lifting the Blues up from their disastrous start to the season. Potter has got clicking many of Blues’ stars, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang being one of them. The summer signing has netted 3 goals in his last 3 games, and his on his way to finally break the club’s n0.9 ‘curse’.
The Londoners next face Aston Villa in the Premier League as Potter will be hoping to make it his fifth win in a row in all competitions. However, he will have to await the tests of Reece James who will be in doubt for the trip to Villa. With the FIFA World Cup just over a month away, the right-back will have his fingers crossed it is not something serious which could force him to skip the tournament with the Three Lions.