Chelsea have made a good start to the season under Enzo Maresca and currently sit fourth in the league, but one player who has yet to contribute is captain Reece James.
After having an injury plagued season last time out in which he was sidelined for almost five months with a hamstring injury he underwent surgery on, Chelsea were hoping James would be fit for the start of the season.
The 24-year-old played a prominent role in pre-season as he built up his fitness and match sharpness and despite being suspended for the first three games of the campaign it was hoped he’d be fit for the start of the season.
James update expected before Liverpool game
However, that hasn’t been the case and when Chelsea returned from America it was reported that James had suffered a minor hamstring issue and would miss the final pre-season game against Inter Milan.
The expectation was he would be fit for Chelsea’s fourth league game against Bournemouth but that didn’t prove to be the case and it’s clear he’s yet to even return to full training.
Chelsea are being very cautious with James and haven’t given a return date for the England international and Maresca confirmed he didn’t know when his captain would be back when he was last asked about the situation.
Despite not contributing on the pitch this season, James has been supporting his team mates in other ways off the pitch.
Journalist Rahman Osman wrote in London World:
“One thing the full-back has done very well so far is be present at every home game. He has supported his colleagues and always makes sure to take pictures and occasionally sign autographs for fans sitting behind the players’ area.”
In his absence Enzo Fernandez has captained the side for the majority of this season and whilst there’s a sense of frustration with the situation surrounding James, everyone just wants him to come back in the best condition possible.
The signing of Malo Gusto has meant Chelsea haven’t missed James as much as they would normally do, but when he does return to action it will be a huge boost for everyone.
