Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth LIVE! Premier League result, match stream, Reece James injury updates and reaction

Chelsea vs Bournemouth LIVE!

Chelsea are back in business in the Premier League after a much-needed victory on Tuesday night. Goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount inside 25 minutes ultimately brushed aside below-par Bournemouth and ended a dismal run of three successive losses suffered under Graham Potter just before the mid-season break for the World Cup.

Though the Blues failed to properly kill the game off despite creating numerous more chances, they will still have been relieved to easily avoid losing four top-flight matches in a row for the first time since 1998. However, such a triumph was unfortunately soured as Reece James was forced off in the second half after suffering a setback on his start since suffering a serious knee injury in October.

The win takes Chelsea up to eighth and six points adrift of the top four, while the Cherries stay 14th and only three points above the relegation zone. Follow Chelsea vs Bournemouth reaction live below, with expert analysis from Nick Purewal at Stamford Bridge!

Chelsea vs Bournemouth latest news

• Reece James forced off on injury return

• GOAL! Mount doubles lead with superb strike

• GOAL! Havertz slides in fine Sterling assist

Chelsea FC 2 - 0 AFC Bournemouth

Mason Mount reaction

20:34 , George Flood

It was massive, massive for the confidence, massive to get back up where we want to be. We don't want to be sitting in eighth position. We're Chelsea Football Club, we want to be up there fighting for titles.

"I know it's a bit of a mountain to climb now, but we need to get ourselves back up there and do anything we can to do that, so to start off with a win tonight was massive."

Mason Mount reaction

20:33 , George Flood

"It was a good one. I feel like it can always be tough, obviously, coming off the back of a World Cup to get straight back into the swing of things, but I feel like us boys have done that really well.

"We knew this was a massive game for us, obviously, after our form before the World Cup, so we needed a win and we went out there and did that tonight."

20:15 , George Flood

On potential transfers in January under the new Bournemouth ownership, O’Neil added: "As with every club in January, we'll look [at] what we can do, but the group I've got has been brilliant.

“They're a great group to work with. But of course January is coming and as with everybody we'll look for areas we can improve, and hopefully we can."

20:15 , George Flood

Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil insists he was pleased with his side’s reaction after a tough first half at Stamford Bridge.

"At the start of the game we struggled a little bit to get to grips with them. We had to make a few changes tactically and once we got that right, the boys showed what they can do,” he said.

"To respond from 2-0 down at a tough place like this and to put Chelsea under some pressure was a good effort from everybody, but (it was) just a shame that the start got away from us."

20:03 , George Flood

Potter is also asked if the win was more important than the performance tonight...

"Of course. I can say that after the game, it's nice to win,” he said.

"We wanted both, to be honest. We wanted a performance in front of our supporters, we wanted to play better than we have done.

"I could stand here and make excuses, but the reality of it is we weren't happy with our performances and as a result, the results weren't good enough either, so we had to do both, I think, tonight and I think we did that."

Graham Potter update on Reece James setback

19:59 , George Flood

Graham Potter is asked in his post-match interview with Amazon Prime Video if he can provide any update on Reece James’ injury.

“Not too much, no,” he said.

“We’re going to have to see in the next 24, 48 hours, but it was disappointing to lose him as quickly as we did.”

Full-time

19:30 , George Flood

Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth

Boy how they needed that!

19:26 , George Flood

95 mins: Bournemouth, to their credit, are still pushing to the last as Solanke rises above Silva but can only head Dembele’s quality ball wide of the far post.

19:26 , George Flood

94 mins: Anthony’s whipped effort is straight at Kepa and pushed up and over the crossbar by the Spaniard, who is unhappy with the efforts of his wall there.

19:24 , George Flood

93 mins: One final chance for Bournemouth coming up here perhaps as Zemura is tripped by Koulibaly just outside the Chelsea box.

19:21 , George Flood

90 mins: FIVE minutes of added time signalled at Stamford Bridge.

Solanke is still hustling and bustling for Bournemouth, but it’s not going to be enough.

19:20 , George Flood

88 mins: Sterling off now for Chelsea.

Chalobah on as Potter looks to shut up shop and take this 2-0.

19:18 , George Flood

86 mins: Moore was the man to make way for Dembele.

A final roll of the dice from O’Neil, whose team have been improved in this second half but they are still not creating nearly enough chances to threaten a last-gasp comeback.

19:16 , George Flood

85 mins: What a chance for Chelsea to kill this off!

Havertz is sent clear by a long ball forward and the German elects to tee up Gallagher rather than Sterling.

The England midfielder doesn’t strike first time but instead cuts inside his man before driving a shot into Kelly.

The loose ball falls to Havertz, who is offside.

Bournemouth still alive, just...

19:15 , George Flood

82 mins: Another Bournemouth change is imminent with time slipping away.

Siriki Dembele will be on shortly.

19:13 , George Flood

80 mins: Bournemouth are turning the screw again as Solanke earns a corner with 10 minutes to go.

Moore, Kelly and Solanke all rise to try and meet Anthony’s delivery from the left, but Koulibaly does enough.

Two changes from Potter as Aubameyang and Gallagher replace Pulisic and Zakaria.

19:11 , George Flood

78 mins: That’s probably Bournemouth’s best chance of the evening so far as Kepa saves with his legs from substitute Christie at the front post.

Potter will be alarmed with how easily Chelsea lost possession in midfield there, with Lerma feeding the open Christie.

19:09 , George Flood

76 mins: It’s just not happening for Bournemouth as we enter the final 15 minutes.

Aubameyang will be on soon for Chelsea.

19:05 , George Flood

73 mins: Chances at both ends!

Lerma with a wild Bournemouth effort into the stands before Koulibaly heads Azpilicueta’s delivery just wide of the post.

Pulisic then lashes wide from distance.

Chelsea need just one goal to kill this off, but that has been the case for a long time now.

19:02 , George Flood

70 mins: There was some scepticism initially there over Azpilicueta going down after a fairly routine headed clearance with no contact from a Bournemouth player.

However, I think he took that ball full in the nose with some blood visible.

Regardless, the delay looks to have taken the sting out of Bournemouth’s comeback attempts for now.

19:00 , George Flood

68 mins: Chelsea’s intensity has dropped off notably as Bournemouth give the fans behind that goal reason for optimism as we head towards the final 20 minutes.

The Cherries are seeing far more of the ball and force a corner that is seen away by Azpilicueta at the front post.

The Chelsea substitute is down and in need of treatment.

18:59 , George Flood

67 mins: Bournemouth are getting balls into that Chelsea box, but the accuracy is lacking to frustrate Wales target man Kieffer Moore.

If they sneak one here, this is going to be a very interesting finish indeed.

18:57 , George Flood

64 mins: A brilliant run and strike from Mount, who is denied by Travers after useful distracting runs from Havertz and Sterling.

Bournemouth send on Ryan Christie in place of Billing for the final 25 minutes.

18:52 , George Flood

60 mins: Another chance for Chelsea to put the game to bed on the hour mark but Havertz rolls a low shot well wide of the near post.

Cucurella has just had one of his bright red boots shredded by a challenge and will need another, heading over to the touchline.

They’ve put on a silvery one as a replacement! Couldn’t find a match...

18:50 , George Flood

57 mins: A weird game this, with Chelsea in full control and queuing up at times to kill it off as Pulisic has a shot blocked.

But it’s still only 2-0 despite their dominance and Bournemouth flash danger as a foul on Mount isn’t given and Anthony’ deflected strike is held by Kepa.

Jorginho now back up after a knock.

18:48 , George Flood

55 mins: Normal service has quickly been resumed for Chelsea in this second half, with two chances for Zakaria after more great build-up play from Sterling.

Koulibaly is felled by Billing on the left flank but Bournemouth survive the resulting free-kick into the box.

18:44 , George Flood

“Reece James, he’s one of our own” is the chant from around the ground as the England defender thankfully gets up and walks off under his own power.

We’ll bring you any updates on that setback as we get them, but hopefully it isn’t as serious as it appeared at first.

But he did point to the knee before putting his hand over his face in a distraught manner, so it’s still a real concern. Azpilicueta replaces him.

18:43 , George Flood

51 mins: Good work initially from Cucurella but a poor final ball means Chelsea’s latest attack is ended.

A massive concern now for the hosts and a hush around Stamford Bridge as Reece James pulls up and then goes down in pain, with his hands covering his face.

This is not looking good.

18:41 , George Flood

49 mins: Bournemouth’s best moments in that first half came when they pressed high up the pitch, which is what the likes of Moore and Solanke are trying to do now.

They need to be so careful though, as too much space in behind will surely lead to the third goal that ends this game completely as a contest.

18:39 , George Flood

48 mins: More pressure building at the start of this second half from Chelsea, with Sterling’s deflected cross causing panic in the Bournemouth ranks.

They sustain the momentum and James’ right-wing cross is then turned away by Kelly at the front post.

18:36 , George Flood

The second half is off and running.

Jack Stacey the man to make way for Anthony.

Can Bournemouth make a fight of this, or will Chelsea cruise to a much-needed win?

18:35 , George Flood

The players are back out for the second half at Stamford Bridge.

Winger Jaidon Anthony is coming on for Bournemouth.

18:34 , George Flood

A great angle of what was a super strike from Mason Mount...

18:27 , George Flood

Exactly what the doctor ordered for Chelsea and Graham Potter.

The hosts are dominant and cruising, scoring two goals in the first half of a Premier League game for the first time all season courtesy of Kai Havertz and Mason Mount.

Chelsea are playing with verve and tempo, moving the ball very nicely and boasting threats all over the park, particularly down the right.

James, Sterling, Zakaria, Mount and Havertz all influential, while Pulisic has been bright also.

Bournemouth have had their moments, but they are way too passive and lucky to be only 2-0 down.

They need to up the physicality and get closer to Chelsea, who have had it all their own way up until now.

Half-time

18:21 , George Flood

Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth

18:20 , George Flood

49 mins: Bournemouth are on the ropes here and badly need the half-time whistle.

Chelsea’s latest promising attack results in a corner after Kelly’s challenge.

Kelly then heads Mount’s corner high up into the air before scrambling away for a throw-in on the near side.

18:19 , George Flood

48 mins: Chelsea are pushing hard for a third goal that would surely kill off this game before the interval.

This time it’s Sterling who rattles in an effort that is tipped behind by Travers.

18:18 , George Flood

46 mins: Into four minutes of added time at the end of this first half.

James wins a battle of strength with Zemura and then forces a fine stop from Travers at his front post.

18:16 , George Flood

45 mins: A wild passage of play as Thiago Silva inexplicably knocks the ball across his own goal and almost puts Chelsea in all sorts of bother, with Bournemouth wanting a penalty for Billing allegedly being impeded in the middle.

Nothing is given and Chelsea then break at speed and Havertz collides with Smith, with Mount putting the loose ball away to cheers from the home fans.

But the whistle had already gone for a free-kick the other way.

18:15 , George Flood

42 mins: This is better from Bournemouth, who have renewed tempo and urgency as they press high up the pitch and cause Chelsea’s defenders issues.

Zakaria has been excellent for the Blues so far.

18:13 , George Flood

40 mins: Havertz pleads his innocence after standing on the ankle of Senesi, who isn’t too happy about it.

It’s just a foul, though.

Bournemouth pump the free-kick forward into the box but it’s helped on out of play for a Kepa goal kick.

Not a save to make yet for the Chelsea ‘keeper.

Nick Purewal at Stamford Bridge

18:11 , George Flood

Zakaria is a likeable, motivated character who found himself in a sticky situation when recruited by Thomas Tuchel only for the charismatic German boss quickly to lose his Chelsea job.

The Switzerland midfielder had to bide his time under Graham Potter but has shown his qualities again so far tonight, offering himself as a regular possession outlet but also producing several driving runs.

18:10 , George Flood

38 mins: Adam Smith is walking a bit of a tightrope here as he drags down Pulisic in midfield and somehow avoids a yellow card.

Chelsea dumbfounded by that as they question the man in the middle.

18:09 , George Flood

37 mins: That’s a fine last-ditch challenge from Zakaria on Zemura to halt another spirited Bournemouth counter.

The Cherries have showed heart since going 2-0 behind, but it’s a long, long way back from here.

Another corner comes to the nothing for the away side as Simon Hooper awards Chelsea a free-kick.

18:07 , George Flood

35 mins: Stacey is a threat from wing-back for Bournemouth as another corner is cleared.

Pulisic cuts in off the left for Chelsea at the other end but can’t pull the trigger in time.

Watch: Mount pearler on 150th appearance

18:05 , George Flood

18:04 , George Flood

31 mins: Chelsea are looking very dangerous still, with so much good work being done by James and Sterling down that right flank.

We have another injury stoppage after Zemura heads the back of Sterling rather than the ball.

18:00 , George Flood

28 mins: A couple of warnings for Chelsea not to get too comfortable as Cucurella does very well to deny Stacey inside the box with a vital touch.

A Bournemouth free-kick is seen off before Cook challenges Pulisic near the touchline, with both players staying down in need of treatment.

Nick Purewal at Stamford Bridge

17:58 , George Flood

So Havertz has delivered a goal and an assist in nine minutes, laying on Mount’s crisp finish to add to his sliding opener.

But spare a word for Denis Zakaria, who ghosted into the area to create the opening. Zakaria might have lost his way somewhat, but still found Havertz who then set up Mount.

GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth | Mason Mount 24'

17:55 , George Flood

24 mins: What a strike!

Chelsea again force an overload down their right flank and Bournemouth can’t clear their lines with Blue shirts queuing up inside the box.

Zakaria and Havertz combine to lay it out to Mount, who beats Travers and picks out the bottom corner with a fantastic effort from range.

His first home goal of the season! Chelsea absolutely cruising here.

This could quickly become a rout if Bournemouth aren’t careful.

17:54 , George Flood

21 mins: Zakaria is fine after some treatment and we are back underway.

James probing and aims another cross that is just behind goalscorer Havertz.

Watch: Sterling and Havertz combine for Chelsea opener

17:53 , George Flood

17:52 , George Flood

20 mins: Bournemouth attempt to hit back quickly and force a couple of corners in quick succession that Chelsea cope with.

But another injury concern now after Zakaria bangs awkwardly into Lerma while defending the second of those deliveries.

Nick Purewal at Stamford Bridge

17:51 , George Flood

Raheem Sterling reacted to his assist for Kai Havertz with a purposeful fist pump.

The England forward enjoyed that one, laying the ball across the box for Havertz to slide home and put the Blues in early control.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Bournemouth | Kai Havertz 16'

17:47 , George Flood

16 mins: Chelsea are in front early on here!

Another fine move from Potter’s side, who have found first-half goals very hard to come by this season.

It’s brilliant from Sterling, who puts it on a plate with a fine assist for Havertz to slide in at the back post.

The Blues have lift-off.

17:47 , George Flood

14 mins: Chelsea are determined to stay on the front foot as another hopeful cross is gathered by Travers.

Bournemouth getting 11 men behind the ball, looking to spring forward on the counter.

17:43 , George Flood

12 mins: Chelsea scream for a penalty after Pulisic weaves into the box and looks to be dragged back by Smith before scooping an effort well wide as he goes down.

Referee Simon Hooper isn’t interested and the VAR concurs after a quick check.

That looked like a penalty, I must say.

A big reprieve for Bournemouth.

17:42 , George Flood

10 mins: Silva is still moving very uncomfortably here, but still no sign that a substitution is imminent from the hosts.

Chelsea are obviously giving the influential Brazilian every chance to shake this off.

Trevoh Chalobah and Cesar Azpilicueta are both on the bench tonight.

17:41 , George Flood

9 mins: Chance for Chelsea!

It’s an incisive passing move that earns applause from purist Potter on the touchline.

Cucurella ends up standing an enticing cross towards the back post for Havertz, who can only guide his header over the crossbar after ghosting in behind Kelly.

17:39 , George Flood

7 mins: Kelly tries to launch a Bournemouth attack before Chelsea take back possession and a long ball forward for Sterling is gathered by Travers.

Not sure if Silva is going to be able to stay on here.

17:37 , George Flood

5 mins: Silva is moving very uncomfortably here.

Seems to be a left knee issue and he’s not shaking it off as Chelsea probe patiently for another opening, working the ball back and forth and left to right.

The Blues in a back four by the way, as we expected. And a five for Bournemouth, as we thought.

17:36 , George Flood

4 mins: Chelsea earn their own free-kick in a decent position that is completely wasted by Cucurella, who lofts it harmlessly beyond the back post.

An early knock for Thiago Silva, who was just off the pitch there rubbing his knee.

He looks fine to continue, however.

17:35 , George Flood

3 mins: Chelsea back on the front foot as they exploit that right wing and are fortunate to earn a corner thanks to Havertz.

They almost connect with the ball in but Bournemouth eventually scramble clear.

17:34 , George Flood

1 min: A lively start as the returning James flies up that right flank for Chelsea, before the attack breaks down and Bournemouth break quickly and in positive fashion.

Solanke drives forward, slaloming through the midfield before being scythed down.

The resulting free-kick is fired straight at Kepa.

KICK-OFF

17:31 , George Flood

We are underway at Stamford Bridge!

Chelsea are bidding to avoid losing four straight Premier League games for the first time since March 1998.

George Cohen tribute

17:30 , George Flood

As at every game during this round of Premier League fixtures, there will now be a minute’s applause in memory of England 1966 World Cup hero and Fulham legend George Cohen, who sadly died last week at the age of 83.

Nick Purewal at Stamford Bridge

17:29 , George Flood

Blur’s Song 2 and a light show... flames to a heartbeat sound...the Liquidator. And after all that, the teams grace the pitch for the last pleasantries before kick-off at Stamford Bridge.

The World Cup break left Graham Potter’s Chelsea hanging on three straight defeats, so the new Blues desperately need a win here against Bournemouth.

17:27 , George Flood

Here come the teams at Stamford Bridge, into the west London December rain.

New Bournemouth part-owner, Hollywood actor and director Michael B. Jordan is said to be in the stands tonight.

17:23 , George Flood

Final preparations at the Bridge, where the weather is horrid and the rain continues to fall - making it a very slick surface indeed.

Chelsea desperately need to come back with a bang tonight. A fourth successive Premier League defeat for the first time since March 1998 seems unthinkable.

Chelsea milestones

17:15 , George Flood

A couple of major milestones for Chelsea tonight.

The evergreen Thiago Silva reaches his century mark of Blues appearances at the back, while Mason Mount starts for the 150th time.

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal at Stamford Bridge

17:11 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nick Purewal is in position at Stamford Bridge and offers his pre-match thoughts:

17:07 , George Flood

So is that 4-2-3-1 for Chelsea do we think?

Zakaria in the pivot with Jorginho, Pulisic off the left and Sterling on the right with Mount in the middle behind Havertz.

Or maybe more of a 4-3-3, with Mount a bit deeper and Pulisic and Sterling playing as wide forwards flanking Havertz.

Meanwhile, it looks like Bournemouth have gone five at the back with Kelly, Senesi and Smith, supported by wing-backs Zemura and Stacey.

Billing, Lerma and Cook as a midfield three behind the dual attacking threat of Moore and Solanke in a 5-3-2, most likely.

First Premier League start for Denis Zakaria

16:58 , George Flood

Tonight’s Chelsea lineup shows eight changes in total from the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on November 12, their last Premier League outing before the World Cup break.

Only Kalidou Koulibaly, Jorginho and Mason Mount retain their starting berths.

It’s actually a first Premier League start altogether for Denis Zakaria, who has struggled massively since his summer loan move from Juventus but did manage a couple of appearances before the mid-season interval and scored against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

Three Bournemouth changes from Newcastle loss

16:50 , George Flood

Bournemouth get Jefferson Lerma back in midfield as expected after a knee issue, with Jack Stacey also coming in alongside the fit-again Lloyd Kelly.

Ryan Christie and Jaidon Anthony drop to the Cherries bench after the Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle, with Chris Mepham absent altogether.

No Ryan Fredericks, Junior Stanislas or Marcus Tavernier for Bournemouth.

Reece James starts for Chelsea

16:45 , George Flood

So Reece James does start in a major boost for Chelsea, while Kepa Arrizabalaga has shaken off his own injury to line up in goal.

There’s a rare start for Juventus loanee Denis Zakaria in midfield, with Christian Pulisic getting the chance to impress alongside Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz in attack, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only named as a substitute this evening.

Chelsea’s bench features youngsters Carney Chukwuemeka, Omari Hutchinson, Lewis Hall and Bashir Humphreys.

Lineups in full

16:38 , George Flood

Chelsea XI: Kepa, James, Koulibaly, Thiago Silva, Cucurella, Jorginho, Zakaria, Mount, Sterling, Havertz, Pulisic

Subs: Aubameyang, Bettinelli, Chalobah, Gallagher, Azpilicueta, Chukwuemeka, Hutchinson, Hall, Humphreys

Bournemouth XI: Travers, Smith, Senesi, Kelly, Zemura, Stacey, Cook, Lerma, Billing, Solanke, Moore

Subs: Stephens, Christie, Marcondes, Rothwell, Lowe, Dembele, Pearson, Anthony, Plain

16:32 , George Flood

And here’s the Chelsea lineup:

16:31 , George Flood

The Bournemouth team is out...

Lineups on the way

16:27 , George Flood

Less than five minutes to go until we get the official team news from Stamford Bridge.

Stay tuned!

16:20 , George Flood

Today’s venue...

Potter details meeting with Chelsea owners before restart

16:09 , George Flood

Graham Potter’s impressive start to life as Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Chelsea quickly turned sour before the World Cup break.

However, the former Brighton boss insists he is feeling fully supported at Stamford Bridge after a good period on the training pitch and a productive meeting with co-owner Behdad Eghbali over in California.

“When I was over in California I met with Behdad, so that was good, we had a good chat with him and there’s fantastic support,” said Potter. “So I’m really looking forward to the weeks, months and years ahead.

“We understand where we’re at at the moment, we understand the challenges we have, but that’s where we are on the journey at the moment. I’m even more confident now, even more aware of the support I have now than I was three months ago when I took the job.

“So that tells you something, and I think it’s a credit to them, their support, how they’ve communicated with me, it’s been fantastic, and you know the pressure, the demands of this football club of course.

“But we also know there are enough people that can put into perspective, enough people that can see the situation, can see where we’re at, to be able to say, okay this is where we are, and how can we improve on that and go forward.”

But Potter is fully aware of Chelsea’s need to reverse a woeful run of form, adding: “I’d like to have gone up and down California with a couple of wins, but it wasn’t to be. So you have to reflect, and you have to take the pain, and you have to get the frustration and work out how can we go forward and make this situation better.

“So that’s what I’ve spent a bit of my time doing, and we’ve had a really good positive two, three weeks with the players.

“It feels like there’s a really good spirit, a really good connection around the building. So everything’s gone well in that regard, but clearly the proof is in the pudding and we understand we have to perform well and we have to try to win the game.”

Chelsea offered Joao Felix deal

16:00 , George Flood

On the subject of Chelsea transfers, Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella also reports this afternoon that Atletico Madrid have offered Joao Felix to the club.

However, it is thought that the Spaniards are demanding an initial fee of around £86m for their wantaway Portugal forward.

We also understand that Chelsea are eyeing new midfielders depending on the futures of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, both of whom are out of contract this summer, as well as a new goalkeeper and right wing-back over the longer term.

Chelsea in talks over Benoit Badiashile deal

15:54 , George Flood

Chelsea are in talks over completing the signing of Benoit Badiashile ahead of the January transfer window, Nizaar Kinsella reports.

Having recently poached Laurence Stewart from Monaco as their new technical director, the Blues are immediately raiding the Ligue 1 side.

Nizaar says the deal could be worth around £35million, with Graham Potter keen to add another left-sided defender to his squad amid the fitness doubts currently surrounding Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana.

The transfer is not done yet, but Monaco will likely want to cash in on French international Badiashile, whose current contract at the Stade Louis II expires in 18 months’ time.

Read the story in full here

O’Neil confident over Bournemouth transfers

15:43 , George Flood

While Chelsea are pushing hard to get early deals for January over the line amid talks over Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile - more on that in a moment - and agreed deals for Molde striker David Datro Fofana and Vasco da Gama teenager Andrey Santos, things are generally a bit tougher on that front for Bournemouth.

They struggled to attract new faces after securing promotion back to the Premier League over the summer, though could now splash the cash after a completed takeover by ambitious American businessman Bill Foley and an ownership group that includes Hollywood actor Michael B Jordan.

"Every club that wants to do business would rather get it done early but there are selling clubs involved as well so it's not always as easy as that,” Gary O’Neil stressed this week.

"There have, of course, been discussions around the window's approach but nothing concrete to arrive yet. The club continue to work and put us in the best place to get the work done within the month of January.

"I'm always really confident with things once I've done enough work on them.

"That will be the same with the recruitment, plus we have an incredible recruitment team who have a great track record with the players we have managed to recruit at the club, so the work we have done will go through a process and we will try and get the right ones."

15:33 , George Flood

Reece James has been back in Chelsea training for some weeks now, while he played 65 minutes of the recent behind-closed-doors friendly against Brentford B.

Potter says he has no doubt that the celebrated academy graduate will quickly rediscover his best form in the second half of the season.

"He's been training for a few weeks now and that helps," Potter said.

"The tough time is when you can't play football because you're injured. And there's a World Cup going on, it's a reminder even more so of what you are missing.

"For him, the best thing is that he is playing football and the World Cup is finished now and he can concentrate on playing football.

"He was in a really good place before he got injured. If you look at how the team was functioning before he got injured and after. It's not the only reason of course but Reece is a top, top player and when he is not with us it's a miss.

"I am confident the more football he plays the more we will see what a fantastic footballer he really is."

Potter: Returning Reece James ‘in a good place'

15:27 , George Flood

The return of Reece James is a massive boost for Chelsea as they look to begin making up that nine-point gap to the top four.

And Graham Potter does not believe the versatile right-back, arguably the Blues’ best player this season before suffering that injury against AC Milan at the San Siro, will experience any hangover from the “brutal” blow of missing the World Cup with England.

“It was a World Cup and they come around every four years. So when you’re young, the perspective is not so easy to get,” Potter said.

“You are young and you want to play. That’s really understandable. It’s the same for Reece, Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante. It’s brutal really to have to deal with.

“You can try to help them and give them a bit of perspective but in the end it has to come from them, their families and those people close to them.

“I have to say he is in a good mood, he is in a good place. He has trained with us, is training well and is a good team-mate. He has dealt with it well.

“There is not too much you can say. You say it will get better with time and you have to focus on the things you can control. But there is nothing you can say to a player that will make it get better.

“He is missing the World Cup. What can I say? All I can do is acknowledge that it is upsetting, that whatever he is feeling is normal and help him move forwards.

“It was a challenging period for him. It was a challenging period for all the players. There were another 12 that are watching their team-mates and getting injured and missing the World Cup. You have to think on some level there is an effect there. They’re only human.”

Chelsea vs Bournemouth score prediction

15:18 , George Flood

The Cherries struggled for form ahead of the break and come up against a Chelsea side that have finally enjoyed an extended period on the training ground under Graham Potter.

A 2-0 Chelsea win.

Lerma poised for Bournemouth return

15:17 , George Flood

Bournemouth are likely to have all-action midfielder Jefferson Lerma back tonight after a minor knee issue, though David Brooks and goalkeeper Neto are both definitely out.

Marcus Tavernier is a doubt, while there are late fitness tests required for the likes of Lloyd Kelly and Ryan Fredericks.

After the 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat by high-flying Newcastle at St James’ Park last week, Gary O’Neil revealed that eight to 10 members of his squad had been suffering from a virus.

Chelsea injuries piling up

15:10 , George Flood

Chelsea’s bid to end a dreadful run of form experienced before the World Cup break is not helped by the absence of at least seven first-team players this evening.

Wesley Fofana experienced a setback in his recovery from a knee injury during a friendly against Brentford, with N’Golo Kante out until at least February with his latest hamstring problem sustained back in August.

There are still doubts over the likes of Ben Chilwell, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Carney Chukwuemeka and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech are unavailable after playing in the third-place play-off at the World Cup last weekend.

Armando Broja has been lost for the season of course, though there is good news for Chelsea in the likely return today of star defender Reece James, absent since early October with a serious knee injury that forced him to miss the World Cup.

Where to watch Chelsea vs Bournemouth

15:06 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, today’s match will be televised live on Amazon Prime Video.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via the Amazon Prime Video app and website.

Welcome to Chelsea vs Bournemouth LIVE coverage!

15:05 , George Flood

Good afternoon, Merry Christmas and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Chelsea vs Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The Blues need to hit the ground running as they resume top-flight business on home soil after the World Cup break, trying desperately to avoid losing four league games in a row for the first time since 1998.

Bournemouth have not been good travellers since returning to this level, but have taken 13 points from 11 games under Gary O’Neil, who was appointed as permanent head coach in November.

Kick-off today is at 5:30pm GMT, so stay tuned for all the latest match build-up, team news and minute-by-minute updates, featuring expert analysis from Nick Purewal at Stamford Bridge.