James picked up his setback before the Leicester City game last month. It has been reported that he could be sidelined until the turn of the year.

Meanwhile, Fofana suffered the blow against Aston Villa last weekend. The Frenchman was substituted early in the second half of the contest.

When pressed on the duo's fitness, Maresca told reporters that the pair will be sidelined for several weeks, he said: "James the same situation [as Fofana], more or less. He's getting better but he still needs weeks to come back."

The Blues have performed above expectations in the ongoing campaign and they are currently equal on points with second-placed Arsenal in the table.

The west London giants have an easy game at Southampton tomorrow and a huge victory could see them climb to second ahead of the Gunners.

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