Reece James suffers another hamstring injury during play.©(@ConnCFC)
Reece James has been sidelined again due to a hamstring injury, marking the end of a promising injury-free period that lasted nearly a month. The Chelsea captain had made four appearances during this stretch, including three starts, totalling approximately 250 minutes of Premier League action. Most of these appearances saw James deployed as a left-centre back, showcasing his versatility despite his injury troubles.
In a press conference earlier today, head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that James had felt discomfort in his hamstring again, which usually suggests a serious problem. Maresca expressed hope that the injury is not severe, though such optimism is often cautious given the frequency of muscle problems in elite athletes. The coach confirmed that James would be unavailable for this weekend’s fixture and that the club would avoid taking unnecessary risks with the player’s recovery.
The extent of the injury remains unclear, with Maresca stating that they will assess James’ situation over the coming days. The head coach did not rule out a more prolonged absence, noting the challenging schedule ahead, with matches coming every few days. This could mean that James may also miss the upcoming Conference League tie, but Maresca expressed hope that the player will return soon, though it’s uncertain exactly when that will be.
James’ absence could see Marc Cucurella return to the starting lineup at left-back, a position he has occupied in previous seasons. At the same time, Malo Gusto is expected to continue in his regular right-back role. Chelsea will likely need to adjust tactically in the absence of their captain, whose leadership and defensive reliability have been sorely missed during his previous injury spells.
Reece James shared a message of resilience and gratitude to his supporters on social media. “To the people who understand and have respect for what I’m going through, I appreciate you so much. Your support and kind messages go further than you could ever imagine,” James wrote on Instagram. I’m doing okay. I’ve been better and also worse. Another challenge ahead is accepted. Eventually, I’ll come out on top. Against all odds.”
Fans and teammates hope that James can return to full fitness soon and help Chelsea navigate a crucial part of their season.
