Chelsea right-back Reece James has been handed a one-game suspension after accepting an FA charge over using abusive language towards an official.
James, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the opening weekend of the season, confronted the referee in the tunnel after last month’s 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, after which he was accused of using “improper, abusive and insulting” language.
Having accepted the charge, James has been handed a £90,000 fine and a one-game suspension, which leaves him ineligible for Saturday’s meeting with Burnley.
Fortunately for Chelsea, James was set to miss the Burnley game anyway as he continues his recovery from injury, and he is not expected to return until after the October international break.
While manager Mauricio Pochettino will not have to deal with the impact of James’ suspension, the boss has seen his full-back headache escalate in recent days following news of another injury to left-back and vice-captain Ben Chilwell.
With Chilwell expected to miss around two months, Pochettino has limited options on either side of his defence and has been forced to get creative in recent games.
Marc Cucurella, a left-back by trade, has impressed playing on the right in Chelsea’s last two games – victories over Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham – having covered for the suspended Malo Gusto.
Pochettino has preferred centre-back Levi Colwill out on the left anyway this season, with the versatile Ian Maatsen often playing anywhere other than his natural position of left-back.
Chelsea travel to Burnley on Saturday looking to seal a third consecutive victory in all competitions and a second straight win in the Premier League, having accomplished that feat just once since October 2022.
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