Chelsea suffer new blow as Reece James picks up "unfortunate" new injury; Enzo Maresca confirms

Chelsea have been dealt a new injury blow as they will be without captain Reece James when they face Leicester City, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed. The Blues will return from the international break with a trip to the King Power Stadium on Saturday, November 23, to face Maresca's former side.

Reece James has had to deal with a great deal of injuries in his career, with hamstring problems limiting him to just four Premier League appearances this season. The 24-year-old started from the bench in his side's 1-1 draw against Arsenal before the international break, only coming on in the final ten minutes of the encounter.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca addressed a pre-match press conference ahead of the game against his former employers, revealing that he has a largely fit squad to pick from. He did, however, point out that James had suffered a minor hamstring problem which he hoped did not keep him out for long.

"We have for sure just one injured player and that's Reece [James] who unfortunately felt something small and we don't want to take a risk for the weekend. The rest are better or a doubt," he said (via Fabrizio Romano).

Reece James has completed only two full games for the club this season, playing 241 minutes in total for the side. The England international has largely been deployed in an unfamiliar left-back role, but has been characteristically efficient in his performances for the side.

Maresca's words had a tinge of optimism in them that their captain may not spend a long time on the sidelines, with a return for their next game a possibility. Chelsea will hope to have James in their squad when they face Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on December 1.

Chelsea duo set to return against Leicester City after missing international duty

Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are expected back in action for the Blues when they visit Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday. The duo pulled out of the England squad for this month's UEFA Nations League games due to physical issues.

Palmer and Colwill were among the players photographed in training with the club this week after taking their time off from international duty. Both players have been key for Enzo Maresca's side this season, each playing every one of their league games so far.

Cole Palmer has contributed seven goals and five assists in the league this season but was quiet in each of the last two games against Manchester United and Arsenal. Maresca will be hopeful the 22-year-old finds his best form when they take on the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.