Reece James is unlikely to be fit enough to start against Bournemouth after the international break according to reports, with the right back yet to return to full training.
James, who has been suspended for the first three games of the season following a red card against Brighton at the back end of last season, got a lot of much needed minutes under his belt in pre-season.
The 24-year-old has really struggled with injury issues and spent almost five months on the sidelines during the last campaign with a hamstring injury, which he underwent surgery on.
James unlikely to be fit enough to start against Bournemouth
James featured prominently in pre-season as Enzo Maresca looked to build up his fitness and match sharpness, but upon returning from America it was reported that James had suffered what was described at the time as a minor hamstring issue.
The club captain missed the final game of pre-season against Inter Milan, but regardless of his fitness he wasn’t able to play in the first three games due to suspension.
There was hope the academy graduate may feature in the Europa Conference League against Servette after he was named on the squad list for the first leg of the play-off tie, but that didn’t happen.
The expectation was that James would be ready to return to the starting line-up against Bournemouth, however The Telegraph have reported he’s unlikely to be fit enough to start against the Cherries with the right back thought to still be a couple of weeks away from a return to full training.
This news could leave Maresca with a selection headache at right back after the international break with it unclear how long Malo Gusto will be sidelined for with the hamstring injury he picked up against Crystal Palace.
If the pair are unable to start against Bournemouth it leaves Maresca with the option of playing Axel Disasi or Moises Caicedo in that position.
