Chelsea will be hoping Reece James keeps his discipline in check over the next few weeks as we reach that extremely busy period of the season - and a period that can be crucial for clubs.
The Blues defender has established himself as one of the club’s key players this season, both in an attacking and defensive sense, and is a regular in the XI. The 22-year-old has made 18 appearances in all competitions so far this season, with already five goals and as many assists to his name.
As a result, he has all but rubber-stamped himself as Thomas Tuchel ’s first-choice right-back. The German has certainly been full of praise for his performances this term.
He said: "He is improving. He takes responsibility and it is needed. He is far from finished in his development.
“He is super young, has all the potential to be a big and important player for Chelsea. He is on his way. Not more and obviously not less. I feel him dedicated and hungry for more. This is what we want. ”
However, Chelsea might have to do without James sooner rather than later should he pick up another yellow card.
The ex-Wigan loanee has already been booked on four occasions so far this season having picked up his latest caution in the thrilling 3-2 win against Leeds United.
One more would take him to the five yellow card limit, thus handing him a one-match ban.
The deadline for those bookings is the 19-match midway point through the season meaning that James needs to avoid being booked against Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa in order to steer away from suspension.
It goes without saying that if James does indeed receive a ban, he would only compound Chelsea’s troubles at full-back.
Left-back Ben Chilwell already looks likely to miss a considerable chunk of the campaign with the knee injury he suffered last month against Juventus.
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