Reece James has been rested for Chelsea’s Premier League encounter with Southampton on Saturday.
Graham Potter and his coaching staff have decided to leave James out of Chelsea’s 20-man matchday squad as they look to manage his minutes.
The 23-year-old has played more minutes than initially planned since his return from his latest knee injury so Chelsea have decided to leave him out.
Chelsea’s first choice right-back has made three appearances so far, staying on for the full 90 in his last two appearances against West Ham and Borussia Dortmund.
James first sustained a knee problem at AC Milan in October and then suffered a recurrence on his comeback appearance against Bournemouth on December 27 which ruled him out for another five weeks.
Chelsea are hopeful the rest will allow James to feature in important upcoming fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur on February 26 and the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Borussia Dortmund on March 7.
James has played 15 times for Chelsea so far this season.