Liam Delap believes Reece James will be back sooner than expected after suffering a hamstring injury at the end of the defeat to Newcastle earlier this month.
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James is expected to be out for around two months, which given his injury history would suggest he’s going to miss the remainder of the season.
Liam Rosenior has stated James will be assessed again after the international break, but his focus will now likely be on making sure he’s fit for the World Cup.
Liam Delap on Reece James injury
James has been in brilliant form at both right back and in midfield this season, and signed a new six year contract keeping him at the club until 2032.
The 26-year-old has made 36 appearances in all competitions this campaign, and before his latest setback had been injury free for well over a year.
Losing James is a huge blow, and it means Malo Gusto will be first choice at right back, with youngster Josh Acheampong likely providing an alternative option.
It would be great to have James back before the end of the season, but Chelsea certainly won’t rush him, and Delap feels he could be back sooner than expected.
“Especially for Reece, he’s been through it, and he knows what it takes to get back,” he told Chelsea’s website.
“He’s frustrated, frustrated that he’s not playing, but he’s experienced in terms of being through it and knows what he has to do.
“He works hard, and I’m sure he will be back sooner than expected.”
Trevoh Chalobah set for spell on the sidelines
Whilst Chelsea are without James, the Blues have also been rocked by the news Trevoh Chalobah is set to be out for six weeks.
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Chalobah was stretchered off towards the end of the 3-0 defeat against PSG, but thankfully the injury isn’t as bad as first feared.
It means Rosenior will have to find an alternative partnership at centre back, and it’ll be interesting to see how Chalobah’s absence impacts the Blues.
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