Reece James picks up hamstring injury after Chelsea vs Liverpool
Chelsea captain Reece James is set to be on the sidelines once again after picking up a hamstring injury after the game against Liverpool, according to journalist Nathan Gissing (h/t football.london).
The England international started the match against the Reds on 13 August at home. Mauricio Pochettino decided to substitute the 23-year-old in the 74th minute of the game. However, after the 1-1 draw, the gaffer revealed that it was just a precautionary change.
Unfortunately, it looks like James will be out of action once again for some time. The right-back is set to undergo a scan to determine the extent of his injury. Whether the defender will be able to feature for Chelsea against West Ham United in our next game on 20 August remains to be seen.
The English national made his way through the youth ranks at Chelsea. Subsequently, the youngster established himself in the Blues’ starting lineup, overtaking Cesar Azpilicueta in the pecking order.
In his last few years at the Stamford Bridge side, the Spain international was mostly a backup. This summer, the 33-year-old joined Atletico Madrid in a free transfer after parting ways with the West London Club.
With the veteran defender’s departure, Pochettino had a big decision on his hand regarding the next captain of Chelsea. The Argentine manager ended up giving the armband to James.
The right-back is an academy graduate and has been one of our best players in recent seasons. Therefore, it is understandable that the English national was chosen to be the one to lead the team out on the pitch.
Unfortunately, the defender’s fitness issues over the years have been concerning. In the 2022/23 term, he missed a big chunk of the campaign and was also unable to participate in the 2022 World Cup for the Three Lions.
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If James will indeed be on the sidelines for another considerable period, it will evidently be a big blow for us. However, Pochettino has Malo Gusto at his disposal as well. The French national arrived at the Blues in the ongoing transfer window. He put in some encouraging displays during pre-season. Hopefully, the youngster will be able to cover adequately on the right-hand side of the defence.