Chelsea find themselves once again navigating the frustrations of an injured Reece James, as their captain continues his battle with persistent hamstring issues. The 24-year-old missed last weekend’s Premier League win over Leicester City and will also be absent for Thursday’s Conference League fixture in Heidenheim.
Speaking ahead of the European clash, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca offered a cautiously optimistic update on the defender’s condition but remained vague on a timeline for his return.
James’ Recovery Progressing Slowly
“Reece is getting better day by day,” Maresca confirmed when asked about the player’s condition following a recent scan. “We don’t know how many days he needs, but he’s getting better.”
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While this is a step in the right direction, the lack of clarity over James’ recovery will be a familiar concern for Chelsea fans. Having missed significant portions of the past three-and-a-half seasons, James’ fitness remains a critical yet fragile component of Chelsea’s campaign.
A Season Overshadowed by Injuries
Hamstring problems have been a recurring theme for the England international. After playing just 482 minutes across all competitions last season, James underwent surgery in an attempt to address the issue. Though this ruled him out of contention for England’s Euro 2024 squad, it was seen as a necessary step to secure his long-term fitness.
Photo: IMAGO
Optimism was high when James returned to action in pre-season, but subsequent setbacks, including one in a friendly against Real Madrid and another in training, delayed his involvement in Chelsea’s current campaign.
James briefly returned last month, featuring in games against Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle. However, his latest injury, sustained during the recent international break, has once again disrupted his momentum.
What’s Next for Chelsea and James?
Chelsea must now focus on managing the defender’s workload once he returns, ensuring that his talent can shine consistently rather than sporadically. At just 24 years old, James still has time on his side, but repeated injuries risk undermining the career of one of England’s brightest talents.