How Potter could deal with Reece James' absence against Leeds United.

Injuries are a problem for Chelsea going into the game against Leeds United, and Graham Potter must find a solution to Reece James' availability if he wants to change the course of the club's fortunes.

Reece James has already missed 15 games for Graham Potter this season, and it's possible that Saturday's game against Leeds United may be another. James is dealing with a tight hamstring, according to the Blues manager, who listed him as a doubt for the match.

Being without Thiago Silva, who is out for six weeks with knee ligament damage, has made Potter's job more challenging. Mason Mount was also added to the injury list as he attempts to recover from an abdomen problem. Although the wingback they acquired in January, Malo Gusto, is both on loan at Lyon and really at Cobham, he is merely there to recover from an injury of his own. Nonetheless, the Blues manager has no shortage of players to select from.

Cesar Azpilicueta, who served as James' right-side backup for the majority of last season, is currently going through the concussion recovery process after being injured against Southampton in February. But, Potter has previously attempted various alternatives and hasn't always relied on the club captain to play the job on the right.

Trevoh Chalobah is being played at right back.In three games against Fulham, West Ham, and Southampton, Chalobah played only six minutes and was left off the roster against Spurs. The 23-year-old did, however, start on the right side of a back four in the two games prior to that and was a part of a defense that allowed no goals against Liverpool or Crystal Palace.

Playing with a back three would be the other alternative. Ruben Loftus-Cheek held a place in the position under Potter and Thomas Tuchel, and Potter has occasionally used his central midfielders in a wing-back role.

The Cobham product stood out against Real Madrid in the previous season, and he has looked at ease in the position with the right defensive assistance by demonstrating his awareness to play as a wingback when necessary and his ability to form a midfield three when necessary.

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