Thomas Tuchel provides injury update on Chelsea duo Ben Chilwell and Reece James

Thomas Tuchel has said that Chelsea will know the extent of Reece James’ injury later today following the club’s latest setback.

The German coach also said it “seems” as though Ben Chilwell’s season is over following a cruciate ligament injury in his knee that required surgery over the past few days.

The pair had been key to how Tuchel wanted his side to play early in the season, with both Chilwell and James getting amongst the goals in the opening few weeks of the season.

Chilwell was then forced off against Juventus in the Champions League with a knee issue and, despite making a return to light training, it was revealed that he needed surgery to the injured ligament that will likely keep him out for the rest of the campaign.

As for James, he was the latest casualty for the side, going down with a hamstring problem that meant he had to be withdrawn after just 27 minutes against Brighton in midweek.

The injuries mean Chelsea are left with just one recognised wing-back in Marcos Alonso, forcing the head coach to utilise someone else on the flanks or a complete change of system when they face Liverpool.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Tuchel discussed injuries and said: “Chilly [Ben Chilwell] of course had surgery and has our best wishes. Seems like [for him] the season is over.

“Reece [James] has a hamstring injury, muscle, with always the examination is a bit later. The images are better if we wait. We will know more today.”

football.london understands that James has suffered a tear to his hamstring that is set to keep him sidelined for a little while.

The injuries come at a difficult time for the Blues, who are struggling for form as of late.

They currently sit eight points behind top of the table Manchester City and face the Citizens, Liverpool and London rivals Tottenham three times in the upcoming month.