Xabi Alonso had just found Reece James’ perfect position before cruel Chelsea injury blow

Reece James is expected to remain sidelined for several months after undergoing knee surgery. James suffered the injury in training ahead of Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

James has played in six of Chelsea’s eight games in all competitions this season, with all but one appearance coming in central midfield. The Blues lack midfield depth after Enzo Fernandez’s departure, but James’ injury history was likely the biggest factor in his deployment there.

Xabi Alonso has predominantly set Chelsea up in a 3-4-3 formation this season, with no orthodox full-backs. This means James would either have to play in the back three, limiting his offensive output, or operate as a wing-back and cover plenty of ground on the right flank.