Gallagher returned to the starting side yesterday after being forced to watch from the sidelines in midweek against Manchester United.

It was the first Premier League game he had missed of the season due to suspension, however his return did not see them return to winning ways.

The 2-0 loss yesterday may actually end up being overshadowed by the injuries the Blues picked up for their troubles on Merseyside.

Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez were both forced off in the second half due to injuries, with it unclear at this stage how long they will be out for.

Gallagher on James injury

However, the main concern will be to see James limp off in the first half, with it later emerging that it was a hamstring issue for the 24-year-old.

It is obviously not the first time the club captain has been affected by the same problem, with many now fearing it could be another spell on the sidelines for the defender.

Gallagher has now claimed that he was personally disappointed that James suffered that issue.

He said: “It’s not ideal at all. Reece is one of our best players and captain, so for him to come off is really disappointing. Hopefully, it’s not too serious.”

With Malo Gusto still not currently fit for the Blues, Mauricio Pochettino will be forced to reassess his squad before the next game against Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.

If Cucurella isn’t fit, it looks like it will be Axel Disasi making the move across to the right, with Levi Colwill operating as another makeshift option on the opposite side.