Chelsea look to have a problem for Monday evening’s game with defender Reece James reported to be a major doubt with a knee injury.
The Athletic, claims James may need surgery on his right knee, having played with the issue in recent matches.
It’s a similar scenario to that involving Hammers left back Arthur Masuaku if true and represents a small boost for the Hammers as they look to beat the Blues for the third time in three games.
James has been a near regular for the Blues having so far been involved in 11 of the team’s 13 games this season
If James was involved in the game 1-0 defeat against Everton but it is believed he felt more discomfort in the defeat by Wolves. Should he be unavailable Lampard may turn to the experienced Cesar Azpilicueta as a replacement
With a near set of fit players David Moyes is likely to see the news as a smokescreen and is unlikely to be too seriously moved by the news.
I’d been wondering why Chelsea media are so obsessed with Declan rice and then I realised it’s because all of their best ever players came through the West Ham academy.
I hope Reece James is available to Lampart. We don’t need them injured to give them a good game.