Pochettino Issues Reece James Injury Update After Chelsea Star Went Off vs. Liverpool

• Mauricio Pochettino has moved in to ease Chelsea fans' minds over Reece James' fitness concerns
• The new Chelsea captain went off during their game against Liverpool on Sunday, August 13
• James has battled injuries during his few years at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea Head Coach, Mauricio Pochettino has downplayed Reece James' injury fears after the defender went off during their opening Premier League game against Liverpool on August 13.

James started his first game since being named as the new club captain to take over from Cesar Azpilicueta, who left for Atletico Madrid.

He started in a back-five formation at Stamford Bridge as Pochettino looked to contain Jurgen Klopp's forwards in his first competitive game in West London.

Luis Diaz broke the deadlock in the 18th minute before new signing Axel Disasi cancelled the goal out in the 37th minute. Both sides had goals ruled out for offside as they settled for a point a piece to kickstart their season.

Zinchenko issues injury update to Arteta ahead of Premier League season

Football

Chelsea fans were, however, concerned after their new captain, James, asked to be substituted in the 75th minute. The England international appeared to hold his shin bone as Malo Gusto took his place.

Reece James' potential injury

His manager has, however, moved in to allay fears of a possible injury. Given James' recent fitness issues, the Argentine explained that he wanted to manage his workload.

"Because he was tired. You need to see from where he came. The first thing we did when we arrived was to assess and analyse all of the players from the past. He was injured for three or four months. This pre-season was tough for him, we didn't want to take any risk and that is why at 80 minutes, we wanted to avoid the risk," he said, as quoted by Football London.

The skipper is therefore expected to be available for Chelsea's next game as they make the short trip to London Stadium to face West Ham United on August 20.

Guardiola and Kyle Walker emotionally hug after dinner meeting at Manchester restaurant

Football

Hazard spotted at Stamford Bridge

Sports Brief reported that Eden Hazard was spotted at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 1-1 draw between his former club and visiting Liverpool.

The Belgian is currently without a club after his contract was mutually terminated last season and claims he is set to retire after not finding a new club. His presence also speculates that he could return to the club on a short-term basis after a long injury to attacking midfielder, Christopher Nkunku.

Sunday's encounter has a different bad blood for the two clubs as they are locked in a transfer battle over midfielders Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.