Chelsea captain Reece James has suffered yet another injury setback, leaving fans frustrated and raising concerns about his long-term future at the club.
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The 24-year-old right-back had been making a cautious return to action over the past month, appearing in four games under new manager Enzo Maresca.
However, James’ comeback has been derailed by a hamstring injury, which will see him miss Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Leicester City this weekend.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Maresca confirmed the disappointing news:
“We have just one injured player, that is Reece [James]. He felt something small, and we don’t want to take any risks. It’s a muscle problem.”
For Chelsea supporters, the news has become a grimly familiar tale. James, once considered a cornerstone of the club’s future, has been plagued by persistent injuries that have stifled his ability to deliver consistently on the pitch.
“Reece James might never reach his peak at Chelsea,” lamented one fan on social media.
Another dejected supporter suggested: “Either sell him or he needs to retire at this point and take up coaching… availability is the best ability.”
While some fans remain patient, others are calling for the club to bring in reinforcements.
“I wouldn’t sell him, but we need another right-back ASAP,” wrote one fan, highlighting the need for reliable backup given James’ injury record.
James was appointed Chelsea captain at the start of the season, a move that underscored the club’s faith in his leadership and talent. But injuries have limited his impact, with the armband often being passed around in his absence.
The club’s new-look system under Maresca relies heavily on dynamic full-backs, and while Malo Gusto has stepped in admirably, James’ absence remains a significant blow.
James isn’t the only casualty in Chelsea’s backline this season. Injuries have forced Maresca to shuffle his defensive setup frequently, disrupting continuity and complicating his efforts to establish a settled team.
Addressing these challenges, Maresca said:
“We’ve had to change full-backs with the way we want to play. One day, we might even need to move the centre-backs too.”
Chelsea fans will be hoping this latest setback is a minor one, but James’ injury history has understandably cast doubt over his long-term fitness.
While the club is fortunate to have depth in the form of Gusto, the question remains: can James ever fulfill his potential amid such frequent setbacks?
As Chelsea prepare for their match against Leicester City, the focus will be on adapting without their captain once again. For James, the road to recovery begins anew—but how many more times can the club and its fans endure this cycle?