Chelsea fans were left puzzled after club captain Reece James was absent from the squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. However, it has now been revealed that the 25-year-old missed the game due to illness.

James, who delivered an outstanding performance in Chelsea’s Europa Conference League victory over Copenhagen on Thursday night—scoring a brilliant goal in the 2-1 win—was expected to feature against the Foxes. But just three days later, the right-back was unable to take part after reporting a fever and high temperature to Chelsea’s medical staff.

Despite his determination to return to regular action following his injury struggles this season, James was deemed unfit to play, forcing Enzo Maresca to leave him out of the matchday squad. His absence was one of seven changes made by the Chelsea boss from the midweek European fixture, with Malo Gusto also missing out due to injury.

Chelsea fans will now hope James recovers quickly, as his presence remains crucial in the final stretch of the season. The Blues will be monitoring his condition closely ahead of their next fixture.