Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino admits he sees Reece James as a potential club captain.

The 23 year-old fullback has overcome illness and joined the squad in the US for preseason and could see action against Newcastle.

Pochettino needs to name a new captain after Cesar Azpilicueta's departure for Atletico Madrid.

"He is one of the possibilities," said Pochettino. "We are talking from day one about his objectives and how he was in the last few years at the club," said Pochettino.

"He feels Chelsea, he came from the academy. He is one of the profiles, one of players that can be the present and future captain of the club."

He added: "Yes, of course it's good to have him back.

"He is a very important player for us and it's good to have player like him back. Hopefully, tomorrow he can play."