Reece James has been at his brilliant best for Chelsea this season.
The Chelsea captain has always been pure quality, but he hasn’t always been able to show it over an extended period.
This season, James’ leadership at Chelsea has stood out. He has been injury free for all of 2025, and has been able to contribute at the highest level.
Part of that is down to some changes he has made behind the scenes, and the work he has done to change the course of an injury-riddled career.
Reece James celebrates scoring for Chelsea vs Newcastle
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea sources share what has changed with Reece James
You can’t blame a player for suffering from consistent injuries — it’s one of the crueler aspects of the game.
But there are steps you can take to better your chances, and James is going above and beyond to ensure his streak of fitness continues.
The Athletic spoke to a source close to the player to gain more insight into the work he’s doing.
Reece James set to finish 2025 injury-free 🎉
Where should Enzo Maresca deploy him against Bournemouth?
Reece James of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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They report: “James himself is also credited for his hard work, with one source close to the player — speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships — saying it is like he lives at the training ground.
“The individual work he has done includes working with his own external physiotherapist, in addition to the support he is given by Chelsea.”
As a professional, you’re expected to put in the hard hours, but the Chelsea captain is taking it a step further, setting an example for his teammates and giving his body the best chance of lasting the season.
Chelsea can’t afford to lose Reece James again
In previous seasons, the possibility of a James absence was always accounted for, but it feels as though he has never been more important than he is under Maresca.
Not only as one of the senior figures in the team, but as the starting right-back and one of Chelsea’s best midfield options.
START, BENCH, SELL: Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Malo Gusto
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella coming on for Malo Gusto
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Which order are you going with? 🤔
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Maresca says James is looking for more playing time, and that’s something no fan will have a problem with, as long as he can stay fit.
An injury would be devastating. Let’s hope the hard work keeps paying off.
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