Frank Lampard says Reece James is in contention to face Arsenal after scans on a knee injury didn’t reveal any serious damage.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Reece James of Chelsea is removed from the action after getting injured during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on January 18, 2020, in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Reece James of Chelsea is removed from the action after getting injured. Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea FC at St. James Park on January 18, 2020, in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Frank Lampard confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Reece James’ injury isn’t as bad as they first thought, and he’s ‘in contention’ for tomorrow’s game against Arsenal. Marcos Alonso is also fit to make the squad.

James picked up an injury to the knee against Newcastle over the weekend. He had scans on the issue, but in the end, it seems it was just minor bruising from a heavy landing.

Funnily enough, Reece James was also an injury doubt for the last clash with Arsenal. On that occasion, he ended up missing out, before returning the next game against Brighton. This time, it looks like he might feature against Mikel Arteta’s side.

Of course, Lampard may still decide to exercise caution, leaving James on the bench or excluding him altogether. Given James’ recent form, that would probably be a good thing for Arsenal fans.

James is up to 19 appearances for Chelsea at right-back this season, scoring two goals and assisting three. This is the 20-year-old’s third injury of the campaign, after a couple of ankle problems.