Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has assured fans that Reece James' latest hamstring injury is "not a big issue'.
Reports emerged on Thursday revealing that James, who missed 25 games last season through various injuries, had suffered a fresh hamstring problem just one game into the current campaign, and it was soon speculated that the right-back would be set for a significant spell on the sidelines.
While Pochettino did confirm James will be out of action for the coming weeks, he did stress that his club captain has avoided any serious damage.
"I think it's a sad moment because he's our captain," the boss began. "He was so excited to be a captain, full of energy.
"I think we are going to assess him day-by-day as well as possible. For sure, he is going to become stronger than he was, we are going to help him to become stronger than before.
"it's a hamstring. It's not a few days, it's maybe a few weeks. The good thing is that it's not a big issue. The most important thing now is to worry about anticipating problems. When he plays again, we hope he's stronger than he was before. We will assess him day-by-day and make a plan every day."
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In James' absence, the captain's armband will be handed to left-back Ben Chilwell, while James' place in the lineup will be taken by French youngster Malo Gusto, who has impressed since arriving from Lyon this summer.
Summer signing Axel Disasi, a centre-back by trade, also has experience playing out on the right.
Chelsea face West Ham United on Sunday and also have meetings with Luton Town, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth coming up in the next month, with James not expected to play a part in any of thise fixtures.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Mauricio Pochettino offers encouraging update on Reece James hamstring injury.
