Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has allayed fears that Reece James came off against Liverpool due to an injury problem.
Asked why James was taken off against Liverpool, Pochettino replied: “Because he was tired.
“The first thing that we were doing when we arrived is to assess and analyse all the players from the past and he was injured for three or four months.
“And pre-season is always tough – and it was tough for him. But of course we didn’t want to take any risks and that is why, around 80 minutes, we wanted to keep away a little bit the risk.”
On why he picked James as Chelsea’s new captain, Pochettino added: “After nearly six weeks working I think we decided, with the club, to give the armband to him because I think he’s the perfect profile.
“He’s a fantastic player, he’s a fantastic boy. He loves Chelsea, he’s a leader, the team-mates respect him and everyone in the club respects him and the fans love him also. I think he’s a perfect player to be the captain.”