Reece James injury adds to Maurico Pochettino's problems at Chelsea

Another injury to captain Reece James has added to the mounting problems of manager Maurico Pochettino at Chelsea.

James lasted only 27 minutes of Chelsea's demoralising Premier League defeat against Everton on Sunday, a result that leaves the London club languishing 12th in the Premier League table.

The 24-year-old, who was appointed club captain by Pochettino during the summer, made only 16 appearances last season due to injuries that also saw him ruled out for England at the Qatar World Cup.

The loss at Goodison Park was James's fifth league start of the campaign after he was injured during the opening weekend draw with Liverpool in August and did not return until October 21.

This new problem will be his seventh hamstring injury in the last three years and means James is a doubt for the hectic festive period, which sees Chelsea playing five games between now and the end of the year, starting with bottom club Sheffield United on Saturday.

“Reece felt something in his hamstring. For sure he's injured, but we don't know how serious it is,” said Pochettino after the game on Merseyside.

“Of course for us he is an important player, one of the best full backs in the world. We are disappointed because when you believe you can build something and a player like him who should be really important for us can't help the team.

“We go back and assess again in the next few days what is going on with his hamstring.”

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and left-back Marc Cucurella also came off injured at Everton and will also be assessed.

“Robert Sanchez suffered a problem at Manchester United, it was an issue with his knee,” Pochettino said. “He felt something during the second half, that is why he asked for the change. We must hope it is not