Reece James set to miss Southampton clash on one condition as Chelsea confirmed another deal
Reece James’ availability for tonight’s match against Southampton has been questioned, according to reports on the Fantasy Football Twitter account.
The defender didn’t appear in any of the training images from yesterday, according to other Twitter users, who also claimed they had heard that James had a knock and wouldn’t play tonight. We haven’t been able to independently confirm these reports.
He’s not visible in any of the images, but the same could be said for four or five other players.
Simon Philips has confirmed that James did miss yesterday’s session – but only as a precaution. It sounds like he’s fine, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see him miss out tonight.
The solution would likely be to play Cesar Azpilicueta at right centre back, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek continuing at right wing back. It’s not a disaster – but of course we’re always weaker without one of the world’s top right backs in the team.
@siphillipssport: Reece James won’t be risked tonight (precautionary, not serious). Billy Gilmour has traveled with the squad!
Confirmed: Hudson-Odoi seal move away from Chelsea
Chelsea have confirmed the loan transfer of winger Callum Hudson-Odoi to Bayer Leverkusen.
The club released a statement, thus: “Callum Hudson-Odoi will spend the rest of the 2022/23 season on loan in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.”
Hudson-Odoi will have the opportunity to play regular football in the Bundesliga – a feat he hasn’t enjoyed since suffering an Achilles injury as a teenager.
The 21-year-old will be on loan for a full season before returning back to Chelsea.
The young forward has not played for Chelsea this campaign and made 15 Premier League appearances last season.