Is Reece James playing today? Chelsea team news vs Borussia Dortmund
Graham Potter takes charge of the most significant fixture of his Chelsea reign thus far on Tuesday night as the Blues play host to Borussia Dortmund with a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals on the line.
The two sides were separated by Karim Adeyemi's magnificent solo strike in the reverse fixture, meaning the goal-shy Blues have a deficit to make up if they're to progress into the last eight.
Dortmund have continued to shine in 2023 and they extended their winning run to ten games on Friday night as they beat RB Leipzig 2-1. Chelsea, too, grabbed a much-needed victory in the build-up to this European clash, but they were far from convincing in their slender home triumph over Leeds.
There have been mitigating factors in Potter's dire managerial stint up to this point, including injuries, and the fitness of star right-back Reece James has been a major issue. He was out of action again at the weekend, and here's the latest on his status for Tuesday's second leg.
Chelsea suspension news vs Borussia Dortmund
The Blues will be without Mason Mount on Tuesday night after he picked up his third yellow card of the current Champions League campaign in the first leg.
Chelsea have several players on two bookings, including Reece James, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Conor Gallagher.
Chelsea injury news vs Borussia Dortmund
N'Golo Kante is yet to feature under Potter after suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham back in August. The Frenchman is edging closer to his return, but he isn't likely to be fit for Tuesday's game.
Cesar Azpilicueta, who sustained a concussion in the defeat to Southampton, isn't ready to return to first-team action just yet, while Thiago Silva is sidelined until April with a knee injury. Thus, Koulibaly will partner Wesley Fofana in defence with Benoit Badiashile absent from Potter's Champions League squad.
Edouard Mendy is back in training (as is Christian Pulisic), but Kepa Arrizabalaga will continue between the sticks for Dortmund's visit.
Will Reece James be back for Chelsea?
It's been a stop-start campaign for Reece James thus far, and he's struggled to maintain any consistency since returning from a long-term absence after Christmas.
A tight hamstring ruled him out of Saturday's 1-0 victory over Leeds with Tuesday's fixture in mind. The right-back has since returned to training and is expected to be available for the all-important second leg.