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Agony for Reece James and Chelsea as the defender faces a further four weeks on the sidelines having limped off against Bournemouth just 50 minutes into his return from 11 weeks out

Reece James faces another month out after a setback to his return from a knee injury — and the Chelsea defender has opened up about the mental strain caused by the toughest year of his career.

Scans on Wednesday confirmed James had picked up a fresh problem against Bournemouth on Tuesday, which will keep him out until the end of January.

James was returning to action after 11 weeks out, having suffered right knee ligament damage against AC Milan in October — a huge blow for the 23-year-old and England as it ruled him out of the World Cup.