Pochettino says 'sad' injury to James 'not a big issue' as Chelsea provide update

The Chelsea star was appointed as captain following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta this summer.

But now, just one game into the 2023/24 season, James is set for a period on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in training.

On Friday, Chelsea confirmed James would miss their upcoming clash with West Ham after 'starting rehabilitation having undergone assessments on an injury sustained in training this week'.

"It's a sad moment because he's our captain and he was so excited, he was full energy," Mauricio Pochettino said in his press conference shortly after the club confirmed James' injury.

"We are going to assess him day by day. For sure, it's going to be as soon as possible with the team. He will become stronger."

When quizzed on the length of time he'd be out for, Pochettino said: "It's not about few days, it's about a few weeks.

"It's not a big issue. But most important now is to work really hard, be fully fit and be stronger than before."

James had also undergone a scan on his knee just days before their pre-season tour this summer, and missed their opening three games in the USA.

He missed a large portion of last season due to a string of injuries, too, including one to his hamstring.

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But as one star became unavailable for the Blues, another came through the door, with the west London outfit signing Southampton's Romeo Lavia.

Chelsea head to London rivals West Ham in the Premier League this Sunday.