‘I Might Give Up On This Guy’ ‘Not Available For Half The Season’ Fans React To Chelsea Star’s Latest Setback
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that captain Reece James sustained a knee injury prior to the win over Bournemouth at the weekend.
The 26-year-old had only recently recovered from a hamstring problem that meant he missed the defeat to Brentford last month, but Alonso has confirmed James has had another setback in training:
“He felt something. After that, he had the tests later in the afternoon [on Friday]. He had some little issues on the knee. We need to check how long it will be. We need to assess him week-by-week.”
Supporters on X are not best pleased that James will be spending more time on the treatment table:
@CFCPys @kierangill_DM I might give up on this guy soon
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— Mark Nova (@Marknova_8) October 10, 2026
@CFCPys @kierangill_DM A club captain that’s not available for half a season
— Mac (@Cfcblitz13) October 10, 2026
@CFCPys @kierangill_DM THIS GUY IS MADE UP OF NOODLES
— JOH-SAY (@Joohsay) October 10, 2026
@CFCPys @kierangill_DM It’s time for Chelsea to sell him off and bring in a more stable player
— Ìkòyí Ẹ̀sọ́ (@MyView411) October 10, 2026
@CFCPys @kierangill_DM He can never stay fit, something is fundamentally wrong with this guy!
— Patrick (@flying_steady) October 10, 2026
James’ recent injury record is concerning
The England international managed to stay fit for most of last season before he was struck down with a hamstring injury in mid-March that kept him out for two months.
James has subsequently picked up two further knocks in the first two months of this season, which does not bode well considering his chequered injury history.
When could he play for Chelsea again?
Alonso has emphasised that the knee problem is relatively minor, but reading between the lines, it seems as if it is something that will need to be managed.
Assessing it week to week suggests a chronic problem, with the knee swelling up when playing football, but that is pure speculation.
It may simply be the case that James needs a few days’ rest, and he will be back fully fit within days. The Blues take on Everton in the lunchtime kickoff this Saturday, so fans will be hoping that he is seen back in training in the build-up to that fixture.
The team coped well enough without him against Bournemouth on Saturday, but even so, Alonso will want his captain in contention as soon as possible for upcoming games.