Chelsea star Mason Mount admits that losing Reece James is a huge blow for his side.

The Blues will be without their star right-wing back for a significant portion of this season.

James will miss the World Cup and will be out for at least eight weeks, if not longer.

“Reecey's been absolutely brilliant this season," acknowledged Mount to club media after his side's 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

“He's stepped up. He's one of the best players in the team. To see that happen to him, and as a very close friend of mine, it's gutting, and you know what's coming up as well. It's a big loss for us.

“We have to step up. What Azpi did coming on was unbelievable. As a captain he steps up, he had a massive impact off the bench.

“We're such a strong team, we have to stay together through these tough periods. We know injuries are going to happen with the amount of games we are playing.

“That's when the squad comes into it. We're all together, that's what the gaffer really goes on about. We need to stay together because we're going to need everyone."