REECE JAMES is set to be out for three to four weeks with a knee injury, according to reports.
The Chelsea full-back got injured again on his return to action against Bournemouth yesterday after two and a half months on the sidelines.
James, 23, lasted just 53 minutes of the 2-0 win, having to be substituted for Cesar Azpilicueta after injuring the same knee that ruled him out of the World Cup.
In a statement posted to their official website, Chelsea confirmed that the England international underwent a scan this morning to determine the extent of the injury.
It read: “Scan results have regrettably confirmed a setback for the 23-year-old, with Reece now set to be ruled out for up to a month.”
James’ layoff is set to be shorter than initially feared – but as it’s the same knee that he injured back in October, any further setback could see him require surgery.
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He had been desperate to return in time to make Gareth Southgate’s 26-man World Cup squad.
But James was ultimately left out by the Three Lions boss, much to his disappointment.
Earlier today, he took to social media to open up on what he admits has been the most difficult 12 months of his career.
He wrote: “2022 has been the toughest year to date.
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“Just wanna thank you all for the support, none of you go unnoticed.
“It’s naturally affected me mentally, I’m currently just tryna deal with the cards I’ve been dealt.
“I hope your end of year is filled with peace, joy and happiness.”
James has been working with personal trainer James Ralph for the last 18 months.
Ralph was in attendance at last night’s match, and posted a cryptic message after his client picked up his injury.
He wrote in a later-deleted Instagram story: “I need to bite my tongue despite having A LOT to say…”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
