Additionally, Enzo Maresca was able to hand minutes to Wesley Fofana on his return from injury, whilst Romeo Lavia was an unused substitute at Stamford Bridge. This week sees Chelsea look to finish off the job against FC Copenhagen in their last-16 Conference League second leg before a London derby away at Arsenal.

Reece James and Malo Gusto were both absent for Chelsea's 1-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League. Courtesy of a low, drilled effort into the bottom corner in the 60th minute, Marc Cucurella ensured Chelsea claimed a third consecutive win in all competitions which helped them climb above Manchester City into fourth place.

Chelsea were without club captain Reece James for their Premier League clash against Leicester City on Sunday. James impressed in Chelsea’s Europa Conference League victory over Copenhagen on Thursday night,

Reece James is missing from Chelsea ’s squad for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Leicester because of illness. James reported a fever and temperature on Saturday and was checked by the club’s doctor both last night and on the morning of the game, with the decision taken that the Blues captain is not fit to play.

Injuries may have robbed Chelsea from using one of their best players regularly, but James has now played in eight of their last 10 games

After taking an early knock to his ankle against Copenhagen last week, Gusto was eventually withdrawn. Although Maresca was initially hopeful that the right-back would be available for the Leicester game, he did not feature in the squad. However, the Frenchman may be in line to return on Thursday night.

Chelsea captain Reece James has been excluded from the squad to face Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday, with details emerging of his absence.

Latest Chelsea news as Reece James is not included in Enzo Maresca's squad for Leicester City clash in Premier League as captain forced to miss out through illness