The England international had a difficult 2023/24 season due to multiple hamstring injuries and he has suffered another setback.

The concern is a minor one, but the Blues are likely to handle him with extra caution and won't rush him back to first-team action.

James is already suspended for the first three games of the new Premier League campaign after his red card against Brighton last term.

However, he is eligible to play in the Conference League play-offs. It is now certain that he won't be available for those fixtures.

In his absence, Malo Gusto is expected to start from the right-back role. The Frenchman had proved a brilliant signing for the Blues.

The Lyon graduate has shown that he can be a brilliant deputy and he has the chance to cement a starting role under manager Enzo Maresca .

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