Reece James is injured AGAIN, reveals Enzo Maresca – having played just 654 minutes since being named Chelsea captain 15 months ago
Reece James has suffered another injury setback, with a hamstring problem ruling the Chelsea captain out of next Saturday’s Premier League trip to Leicester.
Enzo Maresca revealed in his pre-match press conference that James is the only player sidelined as he prepares to face his former club, although the Blues will assess those returning from long international trips. This includes the South American duo Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
James’ career has been blighted by injuries, with the 24-year-old captain making just 11 appearances in all competitions last campaign, and Maresca said: ‘He felt something.
‘He should definitely be out this weekend, and then we’ll see. At this point we don’t know for how long. We’ll see.
“I know it’s not easy, but if every time he gets injured it’s going to be difficult for him, it’s even worse for me. He has to accept that. He should try to avoid it as much as possible.
‘But sometimes things happen even though you want to avoid them. He won’t be here this weekend. Unfortunately, he felt something small. It’s a hamstring. It’s a muscle problem. We don’t want to take any risks this weekend.
Reece James will miss Saturday’s trip to Leicester after feeling something in his hamstring
Enzo Maresca claimed the Blues ‘don’t want to take any risks’ regarding the full-back’s fitness
“The rest, some are better, some are still questionable and we have to wait. Today is the first session we are doing with all (returning) international players. We’ll see after today’s session.’
Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are among those fit to face Leicester, along with Jadon Sancho, who is back in training.
Sancho’s last appearance came over a month ago, in the 2-1 Premier League defeat at Liverpool. Romeo Lavia is also expected to be healthy enough to start.
James has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons and made just 16 Premier League appearances in the 2022/2023 campaign.
He was subsequently limited to just 413 minutes last season after being named club captain ahead of the season.
His troubles in the professional ranks began after an ankle injury while playing for England at the Toulon tournament in June 2019.
Since then, James has been sidelined due to knee, thigh and ankle problems, with his hamstrings of particular concern.
As well as missing the 2024 European Championship, he was also absent from the 2022 World Cup squad after suffering a knee injury in the build-up.