Chelsea confirm injury setback as £70m star considers emotional farewell v Newcastle United

Chelsea full-back Reece James has been ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United (kick-off 4:30pm).

The 23-year-old sustained a hamstring injury during the Blues’ Champions League quarter-final second-leg defeat to Real Madrid last month.

It was hoped James would return for the final week of the campaign, however it’s been confirmed he’ll miss the visit of Newcastle after sitting out versus Manchester United in midweek.

“He came out [to train] yesterday but went back in, because he had a little bit of awareness [of the injury],” said interim boss Frank Lampard. “We hope the scan will show there’s no real damage.”

Mason Mount could miss the opportunity of a farewell Stamford Bridge appearance because of a pelvic injury.

The 24-year-old, who is out of contract next summer, is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United this summer. Chelsea reportedly value the England international at £70million.

Lampard said on Thursday: “From working with Mason, you really feel the club when you’ve been in the academy since the age of eight. I don’t know what the situation is, because it’s a club and Mason issue.

“I know he’s held in high regard at the club. I know they are trying to do what they can to make him stay.

“I’d never want to speak about what a player should do. It’s a shame we’ve got into this situation where it looks like it is happening maybe now.”

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