Potter hoping James injury is not serious

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Chelsea boss Graham Potter is hoping an injury Reece James suffered during the Champions League win over AC Milan is not serious.

The 2-0 victory at the San Siro took Potter’s side top of Group E and was their fourth win in a row – and third consecutive clean sheet.

It was spoiled only by James going off midway the second half – a blow for Chelsea and a huge concern for England ahead of the World Cup.


James appeared to jar his knee in a challenge with Milan’s Theo Hernandez. He tried to play on but limped off a couple of minutes later.

“We’re hoping he’s OK but it’s too early to say. We’ll need 24-48 hours and will know more after that,” Potter said.

James posted on social media: “Fingers crossed it’s not a bad one. Love for all the messages, I appreciate you all.”

Chelsea took full advantage after ex-Blues defender Fikayo Tomori was sent off.

Tomori’s hand on Mason Mount’s shoulder after 18 minutes put his former team-mate off balance as he shaped to shoot.

That resulted in a penalty being awarded and Tomori being red-carded on a night when nine yellow cards were brandished by referee Daniel Siebert, who seemed overly eager to reach for his pocket.

Jorginho tucked away the spot-kick and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang doubled the lead 11 minutes before half-time.

Mount, outstanding before being substituted at the interval, set up the second goal with a superb first-time pass, which Raheem Sterling left for Aubameyang to fire home.

“We have to be happy. To come here and win is absolutely not straightforward,” said Potter.

“Overall, we played well. It’s important to get the (first) goal. The penalty and the red card of course changes the complexion of the game.

“We still have to make that count, which we did quite well. So overall we’re delighted with the points and the clean sheet.”