Mauricio Pochettino admitted Reece James’ late red card was “painful” after Chelsea moved to the verge of European qualification with a gripping 2-1 Premier League win at Brighton.
Blues captain James was dismissed for the second time in an injury-plagued season for kicking out at Seagulls striker Joao Pedro in the 88th minute at the Amex Stadium.
The England defender, who came on in the 69th minute for only his second appearance since December following hamstring surgery, faces a four-match ban and cannot play again before Gareth Southgate names his preliminary Euro 2024 squad.
Goals from Cole Palmer and substitute Christopher Nkunku lifted Chelsea to sixth position – three points below fifth-placed Tottenham and three above Newcastle and Manchester United – going into the final day at home to Bournemouth.
“It’s difficult to give my opinion because I didn’t have time to see the action,” Blues boss Pochettino said of James’ costly retaliation.
“Maybe it’s the frustration of him.
“But, yes, painful. Painful because it was a fantastic night of football and he’s our captain and a really important player.
“I’m disappointed because now he’s going to miss the next game and maybe a few games in next season.”
Brighton substitute Danny Welbeck claimed an added-time consolation after Palmer registered his 22nd Premier League goal of the season with a delightful first-half looping header and Nkunku slotted home in the 64th minute.
Albion skipper Lewis Dunk is now a doubt for the forthcoming European Championship in Germany, having been forced off by a knee injury at half-time of an incident-packed contest.
Asked if the centre-back was OK, Seagulls head coach De Zerbi replied: “No, because the substitution was for an injury.
“I hope for him it can be not a big problem.
“I don’t know if he can be available for Sunday (against Manchester United) but more important for him the possibility to be available for the Euros.”
