Chelsea’s good start to the season has been based in part on the great injury situation they’ve got. Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia have missed a bit of time each, otherwise it’s been pretty much plain sailing for both the A team and the B team all year.
That’s with one exception – Reece James. But fans are almost so used to seeing James injured that they don’t count it anymore. When he’s fit – great. But we’re never counting on it or expecting it at this point.
That’s fine – but the elephant in the room is his huge contract. James is one of the top couple of best paid players at the club, but he’s never on the pitch. For sporting directors determined to lower the wage bill, that’s an issue.
Speaking exclusively to the Chelsea Chronicle, journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that’s a situation the club are going to address next summer – or perhaps even in January:
“They are considering in 2025, maybe not January, but they know they need another right-back. It’s a difficult situation. It’s something they’re aware of. It’s a consideration – do they cut Reece James? It’s not a Conor Gallagher situation or anything like that,” Bailey wrote.
“Does he need to leave the club to stay injury free? It’s frustrating for everyone. You’ve got arguably the best right-back in the world, but you’re not seeing him.
“Do you want to bring come in to compete with Gusto? I think that’s the conversation they’re having.”
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The talk of “cutting” James is bizarre. You’ve got a contract with him, so either you want to sell him or use him. He’s hardly going to accept a lower contract offer from us, no matter how much he feels indebted over years of medical issues.
We can certainly see competition being brought in for Gusto if James continues to struggle this year – but that doesn’t necessarily mean James will be going anywhere.