Topics: Reece James, Chelsea, Leeds, Borussia Dortmund, English Premier League
This come just days ahead of Chelsea's crucial UEFA Champions League showdown with Dortmund as Potter's men look to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

Chelsea are in desperate need of a win after suffering defeats in their last three games in a row. Unfortunately, the Premier League giants have now lost one of their best players to an injury ahead of the crucial ties against Leeds and Borussia Dortmund.

That man is none other than Reece James, the highly-regarded fullback who has sadly seen his season — and 2022 FIFA World Cup ambitions — derailed by injuries. The Blues announced this latest development ahead of Saturday's clash with Leeds, a game which could see Potter's men drop into the bottom half of the table should they fail to triumph.

The Englishman has been suffering from a tight hamstring and was labeled a doubt in the build-up to this weekend clash. However, with matchday having arrived, the 23-year-old has been ruled out and will instead focus on recovering for the Dortmund game.

James could be back in time for the 2nd leg UEFA Champions League round of 16 showdown with the Bundesliga giants as Chelsea aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit in order to salvage their season. However, with the London giants struggling with several other injuries as well, things are starting to look gloomy for the club.

Thiago Silva has been sidelined for six weeks following his injury in the 2-0 loss to Tottenham while N'Golo Kante has just taken part in his first training session. Additionally, just like Reece James, fellow academy graduate Mason Mount has also been ruled out for the Leeds tie.

The Blues are winless in their last six matches in all competitions and have triumphed only twice in their last 16 fixtures. Eleventh-placed Aston Villa are currently level on points with the Stamford Bridge side, which means Chelsea could get leapfrogged by Unai Emery's men should Sterling and Co. drop points on Saturday while the Birmingham side overcome Crystal Palace.