Chelsea defender Reece James has encountered a setback as he suffers a new hamstring injury just before the start of the season.
The 24-year-old experienced discomfort during training at Cobham this week, shortly after the team returned from their pre-season tour in the USA.
James was substituted 70 minutes into Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Real Madrid on Tuesday night, with Wesley Fofana stepping in for him. Until this injury, James had a positive summer, starting all five of Chelsea’s pre-season matches. Unfortunately, he has now been ruled out of their final warm-up game against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Club sources, speaking anonymously to protect their relationships, have described the hamstring injury as minor. Chelsea is expected to take a cautious approach with his recovery, especially since James is suspended for the first three matches of the season due to a previous red card. Malo Gusto, who had a strong 2023-24 season, is anticipated to fill in during his absence.
James received a four-game ban after a second red card against Brighton & Hove Albion in the last match of the previous season. This suspension raises concerns about his availability for Chelsea’s upcoming UEFA Conference League play-off matches against Braga or Servette later this month, with the first leg scheduled for August 22 and the second leg on August 29.
Chelsea is eyeing a potential return for James in their match against Bournemouth on September 14, following the international break. However, there is apprehension regarding his recurring hamstring issues, as he has faced multiple injuries in recent years that have limited his playing time. Last season, he started only five Premier League matches after undergoing surgery in December to address a left leg problem.
