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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>James red carded against Brighton</li><li>VAR prompted referee to send him off</li><li>Has been suspended for four games</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Reece James ruled out again! Why Chelsea star will miss first three matches of next Premier League season - explained

James was sent off after an altercation with Brighton's Joao Pedro. The incident initially went unnoticed by referee Michael Salisbury, but following a VAR review, the club skipper was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/injury-plagued-chelsea-captain-reece-james-takes-ridiculous-unwanted-record-with-reckless-red-card-against-brighton/blt89865e13d8e16278" target="_blank">shown a red card for kicking out at Pedro</a>. The suspension adds to the woes of a largely disappointing season for Chelsea, though they are finishing on a high note and is on the verge of sneaking into European competition next season <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chelsea-player-ratings-brighton-cole-palmer-christopher-nkunku-reece-james-red-card-continue-europa-league-push/bltb18941d9ac97ab62" target="_blank">following the 2-1 win against Brighton</a> on Wednesday night.

WHAT HAPPENED?

James will now face a four-game suspension: three matches for violent conduct and an additional one because it was his second red card for the season. He picked up his first marching orders in Chelsea's 4-1 defeat to Newcastle in November when he was booked twice.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mauricio Pochettino did not hide his disappointment and admitted that the sending-off was "painful" to say the least."Maybe it’s the frustration of him," he told reporters. "But, yes, painful. Painful because it was a fantastic night of football and he’s our captain and a really important player. I’m disappointed because now he’s going to miss the next game and maybe a few games in next season."

WHAT POCHETIINO SAID

Looking ahead, Chelsea must avoid defeat on Sunday to guarantee their sixth-place finish. However, they have a chance to climb even higher. If Chelsea can beat Bournemouth and Tottenham lose to Sheffield United, Pochettino's side could move up to fifth place, which would secure a spot in the Europa League. However, they need to overcome the Cherries without the services of James.

WHAT NEXT?

Reece James ruled out again! Why Chelsea star will miss first three matches of next Premier League season - explained | Goal.com

Reece James has been ruled out again as the Chelsea star will miss the first three matches of the next Premier League season.