James lifts Blues but leaves Poch with tough decision for Spurs clash

Impressive first start after injury gives protective boss a conundrum

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Chelsea      2
Badiashile 30, Sterling 59

Blackburn   0

THE sight of captain Reece James leading out the team was a boost everyone at Chelsea needed.

James started for the first time since the opening day of the season as Mauricio Pochettino's side found solace in the Carabao Cup to lift the mood ahead of their trip to Tottenham on Monday.

The right-back played just over an hour at Stamford Bridge, as he builds his way back to full fitness after two months out with a hamstring injury.

Benoit Badiashile, also returning from a hamstring injury, opened the scoring and Raheem Sterling secured victory, but it was the return of James to the starting XI that felt most significant.

James is still playing within himself as he rebuilds confidence in his body, but he makes such a difference to Chelsea.

He offers thrust down the right and last night his presence alone gave supporters a lift.

Pochettino knows he must manage James carefully given his injury record, and he faces a huge call over whether to start the 23-year-old away at Spurs.