Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said he hopes defender Reece James does not have to spend another long spell on the sidelines after picking up a muscle injury in their 4-0 Premier League win over Burnley last weekend.

James impressed with a goal and assist against Burnley on his first start for the London club in more than two months following a hamstring problem but he was substituted with 20 minutes left due to injury.

Chelsea manager Tuchel, who said James was a big doubt for their league trip to Norwich City later on Thursday, confirmed that the injury was a new problem in the other leg.

“It needs examination. We thought maybe he could be on the pitch today (Wednesday), but he could not,” Tuchel said. “He felt it during the match, that’s why we took him out and it didn’t get better so we’re worried.

READ MORE

• Ukraine Says Russian military is targeting civilians
• Two Russian Military transport planes shot down over Ukraine.
• more-usa-heavily-armed-troops-on-the-way-to-europe

“We need more details and more information so today will be further examinations. It was obvious what he gives to our team and what he can give, so not good news. A setback for sure, I hope not a big one.”

Tuchel said defender Ben Chilwell was some way away from returning from a knee ligament injury that required surgery, despite a brief training session on grass on Wednesday.

Chelsea are third in the table with 53 points from 26 matches.