Chelsea right-back Reece James has been identified with a hamstring damage within the build-up to the Blues’ remaining pre-season pleasant towards Inter.
James, 24, suffered a hamstring concern within the opening recreation of the 2023/24 season and was restricted to simply 11 appearances in all competitions, having managed simply 24 outings throughout all the 2022/23 marketing campaign due to health issues.
Chelsea prevented any main damage considerations throughout their pre-season tour of america, by which James began all 5 video games, however The Athletic revealed the membership captain has been struck down by a recent hamstring damage since his return to England.
The newest concern is described as “minor” however it won’t doubt be of concern to James and the Chelsea medical employees as they search to keep away from a repeat of final season’s damage nightmare.
James has been dominated out of Sunday’s remaining pleasant towards Inter however, having began 5 video games already this summer season, the right-back might have been benched for this one anyway after supervisor Enzo Maresca admitted a need to see how the workforce units up with out James.
A irritating pink card within the penultimate recreation of final season noticed James hit with a four-match ban which carries over to the approaching marketing campaign. Having sat out the ultimate recreation of final yr, James should miss the primary three outings of Maresca’s tenure.
“We are going to see if it is tomorrow or one of many video games we’ve got forward,” Maresca mentioned forward of the pleasant towards Manchester Metropolis as he ready for all times with out his captain. “As a result of he’s suspended, we have to strive with out him.”
James will routinely miss Chelsea’s Premier League opener towards Metropolis however is now additionally anticipated to overlook the Convention League play-off conflict with both Braga or Servette, which will likely be performed throughout August 22 and 29.
Round these fixtures, James can even be suspended for league video games towards Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace however might make his return after September’s worldwide break towards Bournemouth.
