Reece James, Chelsea’s 24-year-old right-back and current club captain, is reportedly facing further delays in his return to full fitness, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming match against Bournemouth after the international break. James has not yet resumed full training, which has raised concerns about his readiness not just for this match, but potentially for other upcoming fixtures as well.
James has not played in any competitive matches for Chelsea this season, marking a difficult period for the talented defender. Although he was suspended for the first three games of the current campaign due to a red card received during the final match of last season against Brighton, fitness issues have continued to plague him, preventing his much-anticipated comeback to the team.
During preseason preparations, James was actively involved, with Chelsea’s new coach, Enzo Maresca, putting significant focus on enhancing his fitness levels to prepare him for the new season, especially given his history of injuries. Last season, James was absent from the pitch for nearly five months after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury, a setback that had a noticeable impact on Chelsea’s performance. His absence was deeply felt, as his defensive skills and leadership qualities are vital components of the team’s overall strategy and success.
Despite his involvement in the preseason tour in America, where he managed to get some playing time, James encountered a minor setback with his hamstring after returning to the UK. This latest injury led to his absence from Chelsea’s final preseason match against Inter Milan. Although his suspension ruled him out of Chelsea’s squad for the first three Premier League matches, there was hope that he would recover sufficiently to be available shortly after.
Optimism surged when James was named in Chelsea’s squad for the Europa Conference League play-off tie against Servette, raising expectations that he might make his return in that game. However, James did not feature in the match, and his absence has since extended, leaving Chelsea fans and the club itself in a state of uncertainty regarding his exact return date.
Initially, it was anticipated that James would be fit enough to rejoin Chelsea’s starting line-up for their match against Bournemouth following the international break. However, recent reports from The Telegraph suggest that this is unlikely. James is reportedly still several weeks away from returning to full training, which casts further doubt on his participation in upcoming fixtures.
James’ prolonged absence remains a significant concern for Chelsea, especially given his crucial role in the team’s defense and his leadership as captain. As the season progresses, the club and its supporters are hopeful for a swift recovery, eagerly awaiting the moment when James can rejoin the squad to strengthen their efforts in both domestic and European competitions. His fitness is seen as a key factor in Chelsea’s potential success, and the team will be anxiously awaiting positive updates on his recovery in the coming weeks.