Chelsea injury update: Reece James, Jamie Gittens, Emmanuel Emegha latest news and potential return dates

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Chelsea hit Bournemouth for five on Saturday, but the affair was overshadowed somewhat by the news of yet another injury setback for Reece James.

The Blues came into the international break carrying a number of fitness headaches, but Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Marco Palestra all recovered from their respective issues to appear against the Cherries.

The club captain James was thought to be ready to feature alongside them, but was a surprise exclusion from the teamsheet at Stamford Bridge.

He now finds himself in a race against time to be passed fit for next Saturday’s meeting with Everton – but that may come too soon.

With that said, here is all the latest Chelsea injury news and potential return dates…

Reece James was forced to withdraw from international duty last month after suffering a hamstring injury in training, but he did not make the expected return to the Chelsea teamsheet on Saturday.

After three weeks of rest he had returned to full team training and was expected to start next to Moises Caicedo in midfield, but was left out of the matchday squad altogether.

It was revealed ahead of kick-off that he had suffered an injury in training on Friday, the day before kick-off. Head coach Xabi Alonso said: “Unfortunately, Reece picked up a little injury yesterday, so we’ll see [in the coming days].”

At full time, he revealed the injury was to his knee: “He felt something.

“After that, he had the tests later in the afternoon [on Friday]. He had some little issues on the knee.

“We need to check how long it will be. We need to assess him week-by-week.”

It is not yet clear exactly how long he will be sidelined, but the ‘week-by-week’ prognosis suggests he may be facing a while on the sidelines.

Potential return date: October 24 vs Tottenham (H)

Sidelined again: Reece JamesGettyJamie GittensAfter impressing throughout pre-season, Jamie Gittens has only played 56 competitive minutes for Chelsea this season, largely due to injury.

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He joined up with England’s Under-21s for the international break, but took a kick against Kazakhstan and was later pictured on crutches and wearing a protective boot. He left camp early for further assessment at Cobham.

Speaking on Friday, Alonso confirmed he is facing about three weeks out: “That is the bad news from this international break, that he picked up an injury in his ankle. He is going to be out for a few weeks.”

He will be in a race against time to come back before the end of the month.

Potential return date: October 24 vs Tottenham (H)

On the mend: Jamie GittensGettyEmmanuel EmeghaEmmanuel Emegha’s situation is not absolutely clear.

The Dutch striker picked up a hamstring injury in pre-season but is back in first-team training.

In spite of that fact, he was left out of the side to face Bournemouth, raising questions as to his fitness.

His exclusion, though, could simply be down to the fact he sits below the on-form Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck in the pecking order.

Potential return date: October 17 vs Everton (A)