Mauricio Pochettino explains why he's forgiven Reece James for Newcastle sending off

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says sending-offs are part of the game, especially when a player is just working his way back to full fitness.

Chelsea's disciplinary record is one to watch with the Blues picking up 44 yellow cards in the first 13 games of the season, those have been accompanied by two sending-offs and iconically been by the two fullbacks Malo Gusto and Reece James.

Asked what the reaction of his captain has been given he will now miss the game against Brighton the Chelsea boss suggested he was tired and just working his way back to full fitness.

Pochettino told reporters: "Of course, it's part of the process. Too many times he was injured but he was a bit tired when he got the second yellow card. Of course, he realises it's far away from his best condition. He feels sorry about the situation. It was tough for him and tough for the team."

Chelsea top the league on yellow cards with manager Mauricio Pochettino himself picking up three and his assistant seeing a red against Brentford.

The bigger picture though is that they have won only one win at Stanford Bridge in the league and have won only four of their first 13 league games.

They will come against a Brighton side who have not lost their last five league games against the Blues .