Chelsea are prepared to be without the services of Reece James on Thursday night, when a Conference League clash at German side Heidenheim is scheduled.

The right-back has suffered another hamstring injury this month and the Blues are awaiting results of an updated scan on the issue, meaning that the Englishman is ruled out of the trip to Voith-Arena.

Enzo Maresca's options on the right of his back four could be further reduced by the possible absence of Malo Gusto, who did not feature in any capacity during Saturday's win over Leicester City due to illness.

Fellow defender Levi Colwill was also suffering with a virus in the East Midlands but managed to soldier through 90 minutes, but the England international is highly likely to be rested on Thursday.

Picking up a knock whilst on international duty with Portugal, Pedro Neto sat out of the Foxes clash but is targeting a return to action in this match.

With a hectic festive schedule on the horizon, Blues boss Maresca is expected to make a raft of alterations to his Premier League XI, although Joao Felix could retain his spot after impressing during his first top-flight start of the campaign on the weekend.

Limited on the whole to Conference League minutes so far this season, the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Renato Veiga and Christopher Nkunku are expected to enter the Chelsea side for the clash with the Bundesliga strugglers.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Jorgensen; Disasi, Badiashile, Adarabioyo, Veiga; Caicedo, George, Nkunku, Felix, Mudryk; Guiu

Written by
Carter White