Enzo Maresca issues two-man Chelsea injury update with double blow confirmed for Club World Cup semi-final
James was set to start at the Lincoln Financial Field, but withdrew from the team shortly before kick-off.
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With Moises Caicedo suspended and Romeo Lavia injured, the Chelsea captain had initially been earmarked to partner Enzo Fernandez in midfield.
However, his absence meant Andrey Santos was handed his first start for the Blues.
Speaking after the game, the Chelsea boss delivered an update on James and Lavia ahead of next week's semi-final showdown against Fluminense.
Maresca said: 'Romeo [Lavia], unfortunately, he had a small muscle problem.
'And Reece, he felt something during the warm-up. We think that it's tightness, so we prefer not to take any risk for him. And we decided to start with Andrey [Santos].
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'I think now we are one year together. We know each other much, much better compared to one year ago.
'And with different structure, different way to play, I think the players, they are getting better and better.'
Reece James was due to start against Palmeiras (AFP via Getty Images)
It remains to be seen if James or Lavia will be fit to face the Brazilian side on Tuesday, but the Blues have been handed a further blow with Liam Delap and Levi Colwill ruled out through suspension.
The pair were walking the disciplinary tight-rope ahead of the game and their punishment for being booked in the 45th and 86th minute respectively is a one-game ban.
Though, the good news for Chelsea is Caicedo is in line for an immediate recall after serving his suspension against Palmeiras.
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