Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has heaped praise on club captain Reece James.

The right-back did not have the best of outings against Newcastle United last weekend.

James apologised to fans after getting a red card in the Premier League game that Chelsea lost 4-1.

Asked if he had spoken to James, Pochettino told reporters: "Yes, of course. It's part of the process also. Too many times he was injured but now step by step, he is building. I think he was a little bit tired in the moment when he got the second yellow card.

“And of course, he realizes he is still far away from his best condition, to complete 90 minutes. He is working really hard.

"He feels sorry about the situation because it was tough for him and it was tough for the team. But it is always good when the player takes responsibility.

“He is doing really well. It's a thing that can happen in football. It's good when you realize because then you can learn for the future."