Chelsea fear captain Reece James will be out for months after sustaining a hamstring injury in training. The right-back is awaiting confirmation on the severity of the problem, but is said to be feeling very low, and a lengthy absence would be a major setback for the club.
The injury has disrupted Chelsea's preparations for Sunday's Premier League match at West Ham, with Malo Gusto expected to deputise. The 20-year-old, signed from Lyon this summer, made his debut as a substitute for James in the opening game against Liverpool.
James could become the third Chelsea player to face a long-term absence, after Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku. The club have been active in the transfer market, holding talks with Nottingham Forest over a move for winger Brennan Johnson, valued at about £45m, while also triggering Michael Olise's £35m release clause before he signed a new deal at Crystal Palace.
To comply with Financial Fair Play, Chelsea are selling academy products, with left-back Lewis Hall set to join Newcastle for an initial £28m. The club have spent close to £1bn under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, and further departures could include Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
