Chelsea star Reece James handed one-game ban but is able to face Arsenal

Chelsea star Reece James has been slapped with a one-game ban by the Football Association (FA) but is able to face Arsenal on October 21.

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The FA have confirmed that James will serve the suspension when Chelsea travel to face Burnley on Saturday, a match he was already due to miss through injury.

That means that James is free for Chelsea’s key clash against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge after the international break, at which point he should be back fit.

James was handed the ban for using ‘abusive language and behaviour’ towards referee Jarred Gillett in the tunnel after Chelsea lost to Aston Villa in September.

‘Reece James has been given a one-match suspension and £90,000 fine for breaching FA Rule E3 at Chelsea’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday 24 September,’ read a statement from the FA on Wednesday.

‘The defender admitted that he used improper, insulting and abusive words and behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the final whistle.

‘An independent Regulatory Commission imposed these sanctions following a hearing, and its written reasons for them will be published at the earliest opportunity.’

James has only featured once for Chelsea this term after picking up a hamstring problem in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool on the opening day of the season.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have mostly struggled in his absence, picking up just two Premier League wins from their following six fixtures after that draw.

The Blues appear to have turned a corner, though, with recent back-to-back wins over Brighton and Fulham in the Carabao Cup and top-flight respectively.

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