Chelsea defender Reece James could miss the
Premier League clash against Aston Villa next weekend through injury. The 23-year-old is currently on international duty with England, but will miss the Euro 2024 qualifier against
Ukraine “for assessment on an ongoing issue”. The Blues defender has endured an injury-interrupted season after missing the
World Cup in Qatar due to a knee problem. James came off the bench for
England in midweek, as Gareth Southgate's side beat
Italy 2-1 in Naples. That was the defender's first cap since September, but he now potentially faces another spell on the sidelines after struggling with an ongoing injury. READ MORE | We travelled 1,000 miles to find out why Sawiris picked this club to partner Villa WATCH | OLLIE WATKINS DESERVES A NEW ASTON VILLA CONTRACT The
Football Association has confirmed the full-back will be absent for Sunday’s encounter against Ukraine, having returned to
Chelsea for assessment. “Reece James has withdrawn from the England squad and will not feature against Ukraine on Sunday,” an FA statement read. “The full-back has returned to Chelsea for assessment on an ongoing issue.” Chelsea host Unai Emery's side on Saturday, April 1 for a 5:30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports. Graham Potter's side are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions, having beaten Leeds United and Leicester either side of a key
Champions League victory over Dortmund. Villa also come into the game unbeaten in their last four, with three wins in that time over struggling sides Everton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. What is your score prediction for Chelsea vs Villa? Tell us in the comments section... READ NEXT Aston Villa star forced off injured after nine minutes as Unai Emery handed fresh concern What happened as Aston Villa played Bristol Rovers in secret friendly at Bodymoor Heath Confirmed: Aston Villa involved in multi-team tournament involving Nassef Sawiris clubs Aston Villa man addresses lack of game time under Unai Emery Aston Villa trio performing better than ever as Gareth Southgate decision fails to make any sense