Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his belief that Reece James could become a future captain of Chelsea.

Following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta to Atletico Madrid earlier this month, the club has yet to appoint a new skipper.

Pochettino mentioned ahead of tonight's friendly against Newcastle in Atlanta that Reece James is among the potential candidates for the captaincy role.

"We are talking from day one about his objectives and how he was in the last few years at the club.

"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.

"It's good to have him back. He is a very important player for us."James, 23, made only 24 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last term with time spent on the sidelines to recover from both knee and hamstring issues.

The Cobham academy graduate was ruled out of England's World Cup campaign in Qatar as a result.

But the highly-rated defender is now targeting a big season at club level, aiming to become a key performer for his Argentine boss.James explained: "It's been difficult. Last season, I had a lot of injuries.

"I have not played in three months but at the moment it is good and I am finding my feet again.

"I am back into full training. I feel good. I am trying my best to stay on the field.

"We are working hard with the managing staff and physios to get me ready and be on the field in every game.

"This season, we are not in Europe so the games are broken up and I think that might play a part in keeping me on the field."