James was named in the England squad this week after returning to action in the 4-0 win at Burnley, despite picking up another knock at Turf Moor after months on the sidelines.

Hudson-Odoi has been struggling with an Achilles injury while Christensen was forced off injured during the Champions League tie at Lille in midweek.

All three took part in light training on Thursday but Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will have to cast his eye over the trio before making a call on whether to include them in the squad for Saturday's visit to the Riverside.

"Reece, Callum and Andreas Christensen are uncertain," said Tuchel.

"They are in training but not full training. It might be too soon for them."

Chelsea head north with a place in the semi-final of the FA Cup up for grabs after beating Luton Town in the last round. 

Goals from Saul Niguez, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku secured Tuchel's men a trip to Middlesbrough.

The German boss also spoke on the recent draw for the Champions League quarter-finals in which Chelsea will play Real Madrid, who they beat in the semi-finals on their road to European success last season.

Chelsea predicted XI (3-4-3): Kepa; Chalobah, Rudiger, Silva; Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso; Pulisic, Mount, Lukaku