'It’s not nice': Mauricio Pochettino reacts to how 24-year-old has received news of latest injury blow

Chelsea have confirmed Reece James will not kick a ball again until next year with the 24-year-old picking up another hamstring injury in their 2-0 defeat to Everton over the weekend.

James asked to be substituted in the 26th minute at Goodison Park before goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Lewis Dobbin consigned Chelsea to another defeat. Manager Mauricio Pochettino had already admitted the recurring injury to one of the world's best full-backs was disturbing and comes at a time when they have won only five of their 16 league games.

He told the BBC after the game at Merseyside: "He felt something in his hamstring. It’s not so nice for him to suffer another injury. He is an important player. I'm disappointed. This type of circumstance has to change because [Malo] Gusto is still recovering.

"The team was good even when Reece was out but [we are] disappointed in the end, when you believe you can build something with a player that should be really important for us." 

Two days after Pochettino's statement, the club confirmed the extent of the damage and his road to recovery. Chelsea said: "Captain Reece James has undergone medical assessment following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton. The defender was withdrawn during the first half at Goodison Park, and scan results have confirmed a hamstring injury. Reece will now begin his rehabilitation programme at Cobham."

James has played in only eight league games this campaign and started six of the 19 games they have played in all competitions. He is now expected to be out for at least three months.