UEFA Champions League 2025-26: James doubtful with hamstring injury as Chelsea prepare for PSG clash

Reece James will miss Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain after suffering a hamstring injury, manager Liam Rosenior said on Monday.

James, who last week signed a six-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2032, suffered the injury during Chelsea’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.

The 26-year-old England international did not train ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea having to overturn a 5-2 first-leg deficit against the reigning European champions.

“Reece felt something in his hamstring towards the end of the Newcastle game,” said Rosenior. “We don’t know the full extent of the injury yet, but he will be out for tomorrow’s match.

«It could be serious. With a hamstring injury it’s never ideal. Hopefully we can get him scanned and find out more.»

READ ALSO: Chelsea’s Pedro Neto avoids ban for pushing ball boy

Rosenior also provided updates on other fitness issues, with Malo Gusto and Filip Jorgensen both doubtful.

«Malo is sick today, so we will look at that tomorrow. Filip felt something in his groin and we will have him scanned,» he said.

Chelsea received a boost on the disciplinary front, with Pedro Neto cleared to play after UEFA issued him a warning for pushing a ball boy during the first leg defeat at the Parc des Princes cdso.

«He is a fantastic player, he has apologized for the incident and I think UEFA made the right decision,» said Rosenior.

Earlier on Monday, Chelsea were fined £10.75 million ($14.30 million) for historic breaches of Premier League rules. The club was also handed a one-year first-team transfer ban, with a two-year ban, along with an immediate transfer ban of nine months in the academy.

Published on March 16, 2026