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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

Chelsea news: Reece James dealt major World Cup blow as Blues accelerate transfer plans

The Graham Potter era is picking speed at Chelsea after four wins on the spin.

Having endured a slow start to his Stamford Bridge tenure, the Blues boss is well on his way to rescuing a season which was threatening to go off the rails under predecessor Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea make the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday looking to make it five victories from Potter's six games in charge, but there's still plenty of conversation off the pitch.

The Blues are plotting for next year already, with Christopher Nkunku their top transfer target. But not everyone is a fan of Todd Boehly 's decisions - just ask Didier Drogba.

Elsewhere, there's been a major blow for both Chelsea and England, as Blues right-back Reece James has returned from a knee specialist with devastating news.

Here's a round-up of the latest news from Stamford Bridge.

James suffers crushing World Cup blow

Reece James is all but certain to miss the World Cup after Chelsea confirmed that his knee injury will rule him out for eight weeks.

The 24-year-old right-back had been set to start for England at the tournament in Qatar, which - come Monday - kicks off in just five weeks' time for the Three Lions.

James hobbled off midway through the Blues' brilliant 2-0 victory over AC Milan on Tuesday and the club have now confirmed his diagnosis.

"Following the knee injury sustained in our away match against AC Milan, Reece has received treatment from the Chelsea medical department and visited a specialist this weekend," a statement read.

"After consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks."

Find out his reaction here.

Blues hatch Nkunku plan as Trossard rival emerges

Chelsea will accelerate their transfer plans and attempt to sign Christopher Nkunku in January, Mirror Football understands.

The Blues have agreed a £52million deal to sign the 24-year-old French forward, who RB Leipzig would prefer to keep until next summer.

However, Graham Potter and co are keen to secure Nkunku's signature before the World Cup, boosting their chances of a top-four finish.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will face competition from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the battle so sign Belgium international winger Leandro Trossard, 27, who Potter worked with at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Read the full story.

Chelsea want to sign Nkunku in January (Getty Images)

Have your say! Would it be worth paying Leipzig more to sign Nkunku in January? Let us know in the comments section.

Drogba slams Boehly's regime

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has slammed his former club for "lacking class" under since Todd Boehly bought the club.

The US tycoon's consortium acquired the club in May for £4.25billion, taking over from the disgraced Roman Abramovich.

Despite a summer spending spree verging on £300m, Drogba has been less than impressed by Boehly, telling Canal+, via beIN Sports : "I knew this club with a certain class during the Abramovich era, but today I find it lacking.

"It's very hard for me to see how they got rid of certain people, for example the physiotherapists, who were there for a very long time. They should go back to the principles and values they had."

More here.

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