More injury woe for Reece James as Chelsea confirm setback suffered in training will keep England full-back out 'for a few weeks'

• James suffers fresh hamstring problem
• Defender riddled with injuries last season
• Will be out for a 'few weeks'

WHAT HAPPENED? James sat out Chelsea's final seven games of last season with a hamstring injury. Now, the 23-year-old has suffered another setback - reportedly a hamstring issue again - in training and will now be missing for the next few weeks.

WHAT'S BEEN SAID: Chelsea released a statement confirming the news which read: "Reece James - starting rehabilitation having undergone assessments on an injury sustained in training this week."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The England international was named as the Blues' skipper for the new season and started in his side's 1-1 draw with Liverpool last week. While they do have a back-up option in his position with £30 million ($38m) summer signing Malo Gusto, losing James for an extended period would be a big blow. The defender, who replaced Cesar Azpilicueta as club captain after the Spaniard's move to Atletico Madrid this summer, missed much of last season with knee and hamstring injuries and was unable to play at the World Cup, either.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Chelsea are somewhat light on defensive options at present as Wesley Fofana is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Benoit Badiashile is sidelined with a groin issue, and Trevoh Chalobah is understood to have suffered a 'minor hamstring problem', according to The Athletic.

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WHAT NEXT? Chelsea take on West Ham on Sunday as Premier League action returns. As for James, Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that he'll be out of action for "a few weeks" due to the injury.