The Potter’s wheel is turning again after a run of dismal results in the lead up to the World Cup.

A 2-0 home win against Bournemouth has steadied the ship, but a serious setback to the returning Reece James has left fans down in the dumps.

James played brilliantly through a first half at the Bridge on Tuesday which saw the home side sitting on a comfortable two-goal lead, thanks in good part to the right back’s fizzing runs down the touchline and clever passes. But five minutes after the restart he stopped, put his hands on his knees, then collapsed on the ground in despair.

The injury to his right knee that scuppered his chances of playing for England in Qatar has returned, and doctors say he won’t now return to the side until February.

Ahead of the Chelsea v Bournemouth match at the Bridge, a minute’s applause celebrated the life of World Cup hero George Cohen

It’s not the news anyone wanted, and Graham Potter knows just how important a fit James is to the overall performance of the side. There was a huge cheer when his name was read out over the tannoy before the Bournemouth game, and his early runs caused mayhem in the opposition wing. What’s dazzling about James is his effortless ball control; the crucial first touch that gains him a vital second to distribute or set off on a run.

Kai Havertz put the Blues ahead after 16 minutes, latching on to a glorious cross from Raheem Sterling. That came a minute after Christian Pulisic had had his shirt blatantly pulled in the area by Adam Smith, with ref Simon Hooper neither awarding a penalty, nor referring it to the VAR officials. What on early is VAR for?

It was 2-0 on 24 minutes, thanks to Mason Mount’s delicate curler which swung round the Bournemouth defence and past the despairing dive of Mark Travers in the Cherries’ goal.

Without James, Chelsea struggled to keep a lid on Bournemouth in the second half, and there were one or two close calls… but ultimately the Blues held on for the 2-0 win. Next up, Forest away before the anticipated visit of Man City to Stamford Bridge on Thursday January 5.