Chelsea defender Reece James is back to the Blues’ first-team training after a lengthy injury layoff due to a muscle issue.
The England wing-back made his long-awaited return on Monday, October 14, 2024, in a big boost to the Blues ahead of their clash against Liverpool in the Premier League.
The London club confirmed the return of the footballer with a club statement via their website. Sharing clips of the player putting himself through paces at the Cobham, they wrote, ”back in team training.”
Reece James’ return will be a big boost to Chelsea, who have impressed so far this season under new manager Enzo Maresca but are struggling to keep clean sheets.
James, who emerged as the club’s skipper last season could only manage a few appearances for the club before being struck down with a hamstring injury. He made only 10 Premier League appearances and one in the EFL Cup before the blow.
Reece James’ injury crisis at Chelsea
Reece James did make two cameo appearances back in May totaling 30 minutes, but his injury issues meant he was never in the race to make the Euro 2024 squad with England.
He had featured for Chelsea during their summer tour of the USA but is yet to feature for the London club in the Premier League so far this season.
The 24-year-old fullback has suffered a torrid time with hamstring injuries throughout his career, which has undoubtedly prevented him from achieving the full potential of his prodigious talent.
He has started 118 games across all competitions in his Blues career, with 81 of those coming in the Premier League.
His problems in the professional ranks started after an ankle injury while playing for England at the Toulon Tournament in June 2019.
Since then, James has been sidelined with knee, thigh, and ankle problems, with his hamstrings a particular area of concern.
As well as missing Euro 2024, he was also absent from the 2022 World Cup squad after suffering a knee injury in the build-up.
Reece James’ chances in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea setup
Reece James has yet to taste action under the new manager Enzo Maresca. He is expected to break into the Italian’s Chelsea setup following his return.
Enzo Maresca has been alternating between Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi in the right-back position with the former being his preferred option.
While the likes of Ben Chilwell are still in the fray, the return of Reece James is likely to toughen the competition for the right-back role in the squad.
Reece James is still regarded as a prodigious talent and is likely to regain his starting spot with the Blues following his return from the sidelines.
Chelsea will play Liverpool on Sunday, October 20, 2024, with Reece James likely to return to action for the Blues in the match.
The England star’s return is a timely one for the Blues, who will hope to latch on to his services with Marc Cucurella out of Maresca’s defence options for the match due to yellow cards.
