Chelsea right-back Reece James has withdrawn from international duty and will miss England Under 21’s games against Slovenia and Austria, it has been confirmed.

The 19-year-old has reportedly picked up a fresh ankle injury. He missed the start of the season after damaging ankle ligaments while away with England’s Under 20 side in the summer.

Chelsea have shared a photo of Antonio Rudiger back on the training pitch at Cobham. The German has only made one appearance for the Blues this season, after picking up a groin problem against Wolves.

He has missed the last six games but he could be back to face Newcastle after the international break if manager Frank Lampard is satisfied with his fitness levels.

Emerson Palmieri is also expected to be back in training soon following a thigh injury, although there hasn’t been any recent update regarding his fitness. Ruben Loftus Cheek (Achilles) and Marco van Ginkel (knee) are both long term absentees.