Why isn't Reece James playing for Chelsea today? Xabi Alonso reveals injury setback

Chelsea have been dealt a fresh injury blow as Reece James picked up an injury in training.

But while all four were named in starting lineup except for Palestra, who is on the bench, for Saturday's game against Bournemouth, James was the notable absentee from Alonso's squad named for the match at Stamford Bridge.

When he spoke to broadcasters before the game, the Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso revealed his skipper has picked up a small injury in training on Friday that meant he was not available for the visit of Bournemouth.

“Unfortunately, Reece picked up a little injury yesterday (Friday), so let’s see the tests to assess it,” he told Sky Sports.

He continued, explaining the importance of Caicedo’s return to fitness and admitting he may need time to get back up to speed after such a long lay-off.

Caicedo suffered a calf injury back in August which saw him miss the opening days of the campaign. He returned to face Brighton in late August but lasted just 14 minutes after being forced off with the same issue. He is now back in the starting lineup for the first time this season.

“We are really happy that finally Moi is back in the Premier League,” Alonso went on. “He is a top-class player and we were missing him.

“So now we need to help him with his feeling on the pitch. The same for Joao Pedro as well. This is how we have used the time in the international break.”

Chelsea host a Bournemouth side today who are without three key players in Alex Scott, Eli Junior Kroupi and Justin Kluivert.