Chelsea captain Reece James sustained an injury during the 2-1 win over Liverpool and has withdrawn from England duty.

Despite playing the full 90 minutes on Saturday night, the 25-year-old won’t be involved when the Three Lions play Wales and Latvia over the next week.

James has been pretty much injury-free since the start of the new season, but his workload has increased recently.

The fullback has played three full games in a row across the past few weeks in the league, staying on the pitch in the defeats to Manchester United and Brighton, in addition to the Liverpool fixture.

The nature of the injury is not known at this stage, but it is unlikely that James will be in the starting eleven when Enzo Maresca‘s side take on Nottingham Forest in their next match later this month.

Caicedo is also “injured”

Ecuador head Sebastian Beccacece has explained why Moises Caicedo has not been included in the squad for their fixtures versus the United States and Mexico:

“About Moises, his coach [Enzo Maresca] said he’s injured. He’s not well, but he’s so ambitious and committed that he always wants to perform like he did against Argentina. We’re reconsidering whether he’ll be included in the squad.”

As Ecuador are only playing in friendlies, it seems that the midfielder was left out as a precaution and he should be available to play against Forest.

Latest Chelsea injury news

Cole Palmer (groin), Wesley Fofana (concussion), Tosin Adarabioyo (calf), Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile and Andrey Santos are all set to make their returns immediately after the international break.

However, Liam Delap is not expected to make his comeback from a serious hamstring injury before November.

Dario Essugo has undergone surgery on a thigh problem that will keep him on the treatment table until the New Year. Levi Colwill, meanwhile, is set to miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury.

Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here