Reece James’ injury problems really look to be a thing of the past after the Chelsea skipper made another appearance over the weekend.
James started and scored in Chelsea’s 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.
Josh Acheampong and Pedro Neto were the Blues’ other goalscorers, with James setting up the latter.
Neto thinks James is “unbelievable” at free-kicks, but the defender allowed his teammate to have a shot from one during the Forest game after rolling the ball to him, which resulted in a goal for Chelsea.
Reece James celebrates scoring for Chelsea in the Premier League victory against Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Reece James working closely with someone at Cobham
James has credited staff at Cobham for his improved fitness and mentioned one person in particular.
Speaking to The Sun after Chelsea’s victory over Forest, the right-back said: “Many people behind the scenes are helping me; they know who they are. I have someone at the club that I work closely with; he’s been a big part of keeping me on the pitch.
“I’m on the way to getting back to where I was. It’s taken a long time, but I’m feeling stronger. Playing regularly again makes me happy.”
The Club World Cup winners’ next game is against Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday, so Enzo Maresca may be thinking about rotating his captain.
However, James now looks capable of playing two games in a week in a huge boost to Chelsea.
If Maresca does think the Englishman needs a rest, though, he can start either Acheampong or Malo Gusto at right-back.
Like James, Acheampong also had a good game at the City Ground on Saturday. Chelsea fans applauded Acheampong as he was substituted towards the end of the match.
Chelsea players celebrate a goal from Reece James against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Reece James doesn’t think Chelsea have discipline problem despite latest red card
James also discussed Chelsea’s ill-discipline after they had another man sent off at the City Ground.
This time, it was Gusto, who joins Maresca, Joao Pedro, Trevoh Chalobah and Robert Sanchez on the Blues’ list of dismissals this season.
However, James still does not think his team have a disciplinary problem.
“It’s difficult, if you look at all of them, they’re all very different,” the England international said. “They’re not all straight reds. I was next to him when I saw him going for the tackle, and it was a split second in it. He was there to win the ball, and just mistimed it.
“I wouldn’t say it is a problem for us. We have to accept it. This is what’s happened in the past few games, but it’s not something that will continue.”
As much as Chelsea fans love James, they will have to disagree with their captain here. Five red cards already this season, if you count Maresca’s, is ridiculous. It is something that the Chelsea head coach has to address.