Reece James is still not fully fit enough to start a game for Chelsea, according to Mauricio Pochettino.

The Chelsea captain returned from an injury layoff recently, and was only good enough for a place on the bench, as the Blues drew 2-2 against Arsenal last Saturday.

With his poor injury record, Pochettino has chosen to take things slowly with the 24-year-old this time, and has revealed he will be on the bench again when Chelsea face Brentford this weekend.

“Reece is still not ready to start,” the Blues’ head coach told a press conference on Friday.

“He is doing well, has been training really well. He is really close but tomorrow he is going to be on the bench.”

In James’ stead, Malo Gusto could be handed another start on Saturday. The Frenchman was brilliant against the Gunners, and should be fine against Brentford.