Xabi Alonso provides Reece James injury update as Chelsea absence vs Bournemouth explained

Xabi Alonso has spoken to the press following Chelsea's incredible 5-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Xabi Alonso has provided an update on Reece James following Chelsea's brilliant 5-1 win over Bournemouth. The Blues captain suffered an injury in training in the build-up to Saturday afternoon's clash against the Cherries at Stamford Bridge, subsequently ruling him out of the matchday squad.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the Chelsea manager revealed James had a problem with his knee. Alonso said: "He felt something, and we did tests later in the afternoon. He had little issues with the knee. We will see how long he is going to be, and we will assess week by week."

James had also missed the 3-0 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium just before the international break due to injury. As a result, the Cobham graduate was left out of the England squad, missing Nations League clashes against Spain, Croatia, and the Czech Republic, home and away.

Moises Caicedo, who had also spent the last couple of weeks nursing a knock, did, however, return to the starting lineup this weekend. The Blues midfielder enjoyed 70 minutes or so on the grass at Stamford Bridge before making way for Romeo Lavia.

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Caicedo made an excellent impression, picking up exactly where he left off last season. When quizzed on the Ecuador international's performance, Alonso said: "It was important for Moi to play 65 minutes. Many good news today."

The Spaniard later added: "The plan was for him not to play the whole game. Even if you always want to have Moi on the pitch. He fared well. With him, we have a better midfield area. It's something to build around."

On Caicedo's relationship with Jordan Henderson, which transformed the Blues for the better, Alonso said: "Both, in terms of qualities, are different. In terms of the positioning, they help each other well.

"They give presence, they give stability as well. They are going to be the ones that are helping the rest. As well, defensively, they give good balance. It's fundamental we get that area strong."

On the former Liverpool and Brentford midfielder, who fired Chelsea to a spectacular victory, bagging two great goals and an assist, Alonso said: "We signed him for everything.

"If he's able to score two beauties like today, we are more than happy for him. Today was a very complete performance.

"We were in control for most of the game. so I'm happy with that. I'm happy with the game and the performance."

Alonso later added: "He's played a very midfielder performance, always involved in the action and giving solutions to his teammates. He communicates with everyone."

And on the early goals, having now broken the deadlock in five of the first six Premier League games of the campaign, Alonso joked: "I have nothing to do with it, so I don't have the answer. I have no explanation, so I can take no credit.

"It has never happened to me before to score this many early goals!"