Chelsea defender Reece James is expected to miss the Blues’ Europa Conference League match against Belgian side Gent in their first game of the competition. 

The England international may also be out until after the international break which starts next week. However, it will give the fullback a good chance to recover for the first game after the break.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “Unfortunately, we don’t have an idea [when James will be back] at the moment.”

He was taken off during one of Chelsea’s pre-season matches against Real Madrid with a thigh injury just a few minutes before Maresca planned to substitute him.

He added: “He has been very unlucky because we planned to change him after something like 65 minutes [vs Real Madrid], and he got an injury after 62 or 63 minutes. So, it was a bit unlucky. Hopefully, we can have him back fit as soon as possible.”

There is still no indication as to when James will return, but the international break should give the 24-year-old the chance to possibly return for Chelsea’s fixture against Liverpool on the 20th of October.

Expected return date – Sunday 20 October vs Liverpool (A)

Omari Kellyman

Youngster Omari Kellyman hasn’t made his senior debut for Chelsea yet since he joined from Aston Villa in the summer. A hamstring injury has kept him out so far.

However, he suffered a setback recently which could keep him out for an extended period which is disappointing for the £19m attacking midfielder.

He came through the academy at Derby County before moving to Aston Villa in 2022. He joined Chelsea this summer and has made two limited appearances for the U21s, but shouldn’t be back for a while. The Independent reports that he likely won’t be available until November.

Expected return date – Saturday 23 November vs Leicester City (A)