Reece James LIMPS off injured against Everton as the Chelsea captain suffers suspected hamstring problem in front of Gareth Southgate at Goodison Park

• The Chelsea captain hobbled off nursing an injury against Everton on Sunday
• Reece James has endured a nightmare 12 months hampered by injuries
• Mauricio Pochettino has so much work to do with woeful Chelsea – It’s All Kicking Off

Reece James has been dealt another concerning injury blow after hobbling off in the 26th minute of Chelsea’s clash with Everton on Sunday.

The Blues captain has had rotten luck with injuries over the past 12 months and could be set for a new spell in the treatment room after hurting himself at Goodison Park.

James was making his fifth consecutive Premier League start since being declared fit to return to action in October, but appeared to aggravate his hamstring injury against the Toffees.

The match was finally poised when James felt the issue in his hamstring and was consoled by Chelsea team-mates when it became clear he couldn’t carry on.

James engaged in discussion with fellow England colleagues Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer, giving the captain’s armband to the former, as he trundled his way towards the dugout.

Reece James has been dealt another concerning injury blow after hobbling off in the 26th minute of Chelsea ‘s clash with Everton

James limped off at Goodison Park and gave the captain’s armband to Conor Gallagher

James briefly embraced with Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino who was forced into bringing Levi Colwill on in his place.

Three Lions manager was in attendance for the match and might have had his European Championship squad selection task made slightly easier by James.

England’s right-back position is largely split between Man City’s Kyle Walker, James and Trent Alexander-Arnold, although the Liverpool star has most recently been featuring as a midfielder.

James previously missed last year’s FIFA World Cup after being injured in the build-up to the competition and was subsequently unable to travel with the national team to Qatar.

He has battled back from recurring injuries having most recently suffered a similar hamstring problem in August and not returning until October.

Chelsea have struggled to build momentum in James’ absence and could now be forced to enter the January transfer for another full-back if the latest concern is revealed to be serious.

James was replaced by Chelsea team-mate Levi Colwill (far right) midway through the first half

England manager Gareth Southgate watched James leave the pitch at Goodison Park

James shared a brief embrace with Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino before heading off to receive treatment

The 24-year-old was confident that his injury crisis was behind him and in November described himself as feeling the best he has ‘in a long time’.

‘I haven’t felt this good in a long time,’ James told the club website. ‘I definitely feel my strength and fitness building up again. 

‘I’m happy to be helping the team again as well. After almost three months out, it takes a while to build back up and find your form again. 

‘Some people think as soon as you come back you should instantly be at the level you left at, but it doesn’t work like that,’ he added.

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