Reece James and Kepa Arrizabalaga injury update as Chelsea boss Graham Potter fires Man City warning

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has provided an update on his star right back Reece James and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga going to the Carabao Cup game against Manchester City tomorrow night.

Pep Guadiola’s side, who are eight-time champions of the Carabao Cup, have never been knocked out at the third round and that is the herculean task Chelsea face.

Graham Potter’s side were battered by Arsenal and the 1-0 scoreline was not a reflection of Arsenal’s dominance, an improvement is expected when they take to the field at the Etihad even though Manchester themselves had to fight to secure a 2-1 win over Fulham over the weekend.

Reece James who is reported to be on the cusp of recovery that will allow him to play a part in the knockout stage of the World Cup will not be available tomorrow night according to his manager even though it all depends on his ability to take pain.

The Chelsea boss told the press: “Reece was outside today having a jog, but nothing to report in terms of anything else. Jorginho has a slight problem with his foot and is doubtful for tomorrow. Apart from that, the same group we had.

He also added that goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is still not ready having asked to be replaced at Brighton and missed the defeat to Arsenal.

He added: “He’s got to take it day by day. It’s a tear in his plantar fascia, so depending on how he responds, responds to pain and how comfortable he feels. At the moment it is not so positive.”

Chelsea had never lost back-to-back Premier League games under Thomas Tuchel, and the defeat to both Brighton and Arsenal has increased the temperature around Graham Potter and his coaching staff. But the English manager says he expected the slump after a bright start to life.

He added: “ I’d be lying if I said I didn’t expect it at all. When you take this job and take this challenge on, of course, there are going to be times where it’s not a pleasant road, should we say. You have to deal with that.