Chelsea captain Reece James is set to be sidelined for an extended period again after the injury-prone defender suffered another setback, leaving his World Cup dreams in the balance
Chelsea captain Reece James is reportedly facing several weeks on the sidelines with yet another hamstring problem. The right-back, who penned a six-year deal with the club last week, was absent from Monday’s open training session, just two days after the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United.
Liam Rosenior’s squad took part in training preparations for tomorrow evening’s Champions League last 16 second leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Nevertheless, James was conspicuously absent despite completing the full 90 minutes on Saturday.
The Athletic have confirmed that James will be ruled out for several weeks. It marks the 10th separate hamstring setback the Blues defender has endured to either leg since late 2020.
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James has featured consistently in recent weeks following careful fitness management by Chelsea. Following his commitment to the club’s future, James addressed reporters and was questioned about his physical condition.
“I’m in a really good place at the moment, my body’s feeling good,” he said. “I’m playing on a regular basis, two or three games a week and I just try and help the team as much as I can and do what’s right.”
The setback casts uncertainty over James’ prospects of representing England at this summer’s World Cup.
Following Kyle Walker’s international retirement, the 26-year-old was strongly tipped to make the trip to North America, but he will now be unavailable for this month’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. In 2022, James was overlooked for the World Cup selection following a severe knee injury a month prior to the squad announcement.
Thomas Tuchel has until 30 May to announce his 26-man squad for the tournament, indicating there is still hope.
For Chelsea, James’ latest injury setback couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Blues have been plagued with numerous absences in recent weeks, although Estevao Willian has returned to training ahead of the home match against PSG.
The winger participated in the open training session on Monday after being sidelined for four weeks due to a hamstring injury. However, Malo Gusto, Jamie Gittens and Filip Jorgensen all missed the session.
Rosenior is scheduled to hold his pre-PSG press conference later on Monday, with James’ injury expected to be the main talking point. Estevao’s likelihood of playing against the European champions will also be discussed.
Chelsea currently trail 5-2 after the first leg and need a three-goal swing to secure their place in the quarter-finals. Whilst the PSG tie is their immediate concern, Chelsea also have a crucial Premier League clash with Everton on Saturday to consider.
The international break follows that match on Merseyside, and Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals is the Blues’ first game back on 4 April.