Reece James is reportedly unlikely to be fit enough to start for Chelsea against Bournemouth after the international break, as the right-back has yet to return to full training.
The 24-year-old, who has had his share of injury troubles, has not been able to feature for Chelsea this season and may have to wait longer before making his comeback.
James was suspended for the first three games of this season following a red card in Chelsea’s final match of the previous campaign against Brighton. During the preseason, James managed to get some much-needed minutes under his belt, which was crucial for his fitness, especially considering his history of injuries.
Last season, he faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury that required surgery, keeping him out of action for nearly five months.
The Chelsea captain was a prominent figure in the team’s preseason preparations under Enzo Maresca, who aimed to boost James’ fitness levels and match readiness. However, upon returning from the team’s tour in America, it was reported that James had suffered a minor setback with a hamstring issue.
Due to this, he missed Chelsea’s final preseason game against Inter Milan. While he would not have been eligible to play in Chelsea’s opening three games of the season due to his suspension, his fitness concerns have continued to raise doubts about when he will be fully ready to return.
Despite his absence from the pitch this season, there was some optimism that James might return in time to feature in the Europa Conference League clash against Servette, as he was included in Chelsea’s squad for the first leg of the play-off tie. Unfortunately, he did not make an appearance in that game, further extending his time away from the field.
It was initially expected that James would be ready to return to Chelsea’s starting line-up for their match against Bournemouth after the international break.
However, according to a recent report from The Telegraph, it appears increasingly unlikely that he will be fit enough to start against the Cherries. The right-back is still believed to be a few weeks away from returning to full training, which casts doubt on his availability for upcoming fixtures.
James’ ongoing absence is a significant concern for Chelsea, given his importance to the team’s defense and his role as club captain. With the new season underway, Chelsea fans and staff alike will be hoping for a swift recovery so James can rejoin the squad and help strengthen their campaign in both domestic and European competitions.
