Chelsea return to action at Stamford Bridge nearly three months after their last match there, but concerns are mounting over the fitness of captain Reece James ahead of their final pre-season fixture against Inter Milan today. According to The Athletic, the defender has been struggling with a hamstring injury this week and has been ruled out of today’s match.

James missed significant parts of last season following surgery to address a recurring hamstring issue, making this latest development a considerable blow for manager Enzo Maresca, who has relied on his captain in all pre-season fixtures thus far.

Sources from LondonWorld have indicated that James is expected to return in time for league matches in mid-September. However, given his history of hamstring problems, Chelsea are likely to exercise caution with their captain.

Another player ruled out of today's game is last season's first-choice goalkeeper, Djordje Petrović, who remained at Cobham when the team travelled to the United States. Initially, it was communicated that Petrović had sustained a minor injury and would join the squad later, but he never did. Since then, the club has signed Filip Jörgensen, who is anticipated to start in goal today.

Additionally, several other players are doubtful for the match, including Nicolas Jackson, who is contending with a sprained ankle, while Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella may miss out due to a lack of match fitness following their return from Euro 2024.

Chelsea have secured just one victory in their five pre-season fixtures and are set to face a tough challenge against Inter Milan, the reigning Italian champions who will be participating in the Champions League this season. This match also marks Enzo Maresca's first time leading his side out at Stamford Bridge since his appointment in the summer.