Chelsea enjoyed a relatively comfortable afternoon in the Midlands as they continued their strong Premier League form against struggling Wolves.
Cole Palmer’s record-breaking hat-trick helped the Blues on their way to a 3-1 win, and Liam Rosenior was able to replace him early in the second half to protect his fitness.
Injuries have begun to quietly creep up for Chelsea in recent weeks, and club captain Reece James was absent from the trip to Wolves after previously missing out against Arsenal.
Cole Palmer is back!
Palmer scores on his 100th start. Has any Chelsea player done more than him in that amount of games?
FBL-ENG-PR-WOLVES-CHELSEA
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
Rosenior had originally hoped James would return for today, although it was Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong who featured during the game.
Chelsea v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Major Reece James injury update
Given how injuries have brutally affected the full-back in his career already, there is always concern when he drops out of the squad for more than a game at a time.
However, Rosenior confirmed to Football London that the skipper was not struggling with a major injury, and the hope is that he will be fit to take on Leeds on Tuesday.
He said: “He’s so close. He should be fit for Tuesday. It’s not a major problem at all. It’s a knock. Pain management issue. He was out running yesterday.”
Rosenior should be praised for protecting James, however he was fortunate that their opponents did not require them to risk his fitness due to the gulf in class.
Where does Josh Acheampong fit in at Chelsea?🤔
Liam Rosenior on Josh Acheampong
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Reece James is back to his best
Regular minutes on the pitch seem to have brought the best out of the 26-year-old again this season, and he is back in the conversation for best in his position.
Antoine Semenyo named James in his Team of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign so far, ahead of the likes of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber.
It looks clear that barring any major problems, James will be the right-back Thomas Tuchel relies on for England’s 2026 World Cup campaign too.
The Blues can be thankful that they have brilliant back-ups, but will never want to be without the captain’s quality for too long.
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