The latest on Reece James' hamstring injury

Chelsea wing-back Reece James is set to be out for some time after suffering a torn hamstring during his side's 1-1 draw with Brighton.

James lasted less than half an hour against the Seagulls, limping off and being replaced by Marcos Alonso.

After the game, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel described the injury as a 'huge blow', and according to football.london the prognosis is not good.

They report that James has suffered a torn hamstring, though it is not yet certain which grade of tear he is afflicted with. Once the severity of the injury is determined, a more accurate assessment on a return date can be made.

On the prognosis, Tuchel stated that they will have a clearer indication of the timeframe of his absence soon:

"Reece has a hamstring injury, muscle, with always the examination is a bit later. The images are better if we wait. We will know more today."

James will more than likely be missing for the foreseeable future though, as he joins Chelsea's ever-growing injury list. With Ben Chilwell out for the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Juventus in the Champions League, Alonso is now Tuchel's only recognised wing-back.

Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Cesar Azpilicueta and Saul Niguez all have experience in the role too, but James' absence is still a huge blow as he has been in the form of his life during the first half of the season.

The England international has registered four goals and five assists in 16 Premier League games this term, as well as excelling defensively.

It is not just at wing-back that Chelsea have selection problems either. Thiago Silva and Timo Werner both missed the Brighton game, while Andreas Christensen was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah after suffering a back injury.

This leaves the Blues with a mountain to climb if they are to get a result against Liverpool on 2 January. The game is a vital one for both teams as Premier League leaders Man City have opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the table over the festive period.

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