Reece James will need additional time before making his comeback from the hamstring injury he sustained during pre-season.
The Chelsea skipper has struggled with recurring hamstring issues over the past couple of seasons and most recently underwent surgery in December 2023.
After spending much of the 2023/24 campaign on the sidelines, there were hopes that the full-back would return fit and ready for the new season.
However, he sustained another setback just days before the 2024/25 Premier League season began.
Last month, James provided an encouraging update by posting a photo on Instagram of himself running on the training pitch.
Despite this positive sign, The Sun now reports that Chelsea’s medical team has decided to delay his return.
While James has not suffered any new injuries, the medical staff are not entirely satisfied with his recovery and are reluctant to rush his return.
Since making his debut for Chelsea in 2019, the 24-year-old has missed 82 of the club’s 194 Premier League games.
He started only five league matches last season and has experienced no fewer than six hamstring injuries over the past five years.
As James continues his recovery, Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, will next be in action on Saturday against West Ham in a league fixture.
Maresca said before facing Bournemouth: “Unfortunately, Reece James needs more time.”
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