Liam Rosenior, the head coach of Chelsea, has said that Reece James, the team’s captain, will not be able to play in the UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. The 26-year-old hurt his hamstring during Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United on Saturday, which was a huge blow to their chances of making up a tough 5-2 first-leg deficit.
This is James’ tenth hamstring injury, and it comes at the worst possible time for the west London team. Last week, the England international signed a new six-year deal that keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2032. James has played in 35 games this season, 26 of which were in the Premier League. This is the most games he has played since the 2020-21 season.
Rosenior said at his pre-match press conference on Monday that he was worried about the defender’s availability in the future.
“With Reece, he felt something against Newcastle. He is out for tomorrow’s game. With a hamstring injury, it is never great. Hopefully, we can get him scanned and find out the full extent.”
Reports suggest that the injury could keep James out for up to two months, which would be a huge blow to Chelsea’s hopes of finishing in the top four in the Premier League. The Blues are now sixth in the league and have only won one of their last five games.
Rosenior also said that backup right-back Malo Gusto is sick and might not be able to play against PSG. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen needs a scan after feeling something in his groin. If both James and Gusto are out at right-back, Chelsea’s defence will be in big trouble against Luis Enrique’s strong attackers.
Chelsea haven’t won at home in any competition since January 31, which makes it even less likely that they will pull off one of the greatest Champions League comebacks ever. Rosenior’s team couldn’t have lost their captain and leader at a worse time in the season.
Willian Estevao Returns to Training Ahead of PSG Showdown
As Chelsea get ready for the second leg against PSG, Brazilian winger Estevao Willian returned to training on Monday morning. This was good news for Chelsea fans. Since the FA Cup match against Hull City, the 18-year-old has been out with a hamstring injury. He has missed the Blues’ last few games, including the first-leg loss in Paris.
Estevao has had an amazing first season at Stamford Bridge. He scored three goals in the Champions League and two goals and two assists in the Premier League. He scored against Ajax earlier this season and became Chelsea’s youngest player to do so in the Champions League.
Rosenior said that the teenager was part of the squad session on Monday.
“Estevao is back in training. He’s back part of the group, we’ll assess whether he can take part in the game in some way tomorrow.”
His possible return could give Chelsea the boost they need to come back from a three-goal deficit against the reigning European champions on Tuesday night (kick-off at 20:00 GMT).