REECE JAMES could reportedly be out until March after suffering a hamstring injury against Everton.
It is the latest setback for the England star who has been limited to just eight Premier League appearances this season.
James, 24, tore his hamstring in Chelsea’s opening game of the seaosn against Liverpool in August.
He missed seven Prem games before returning in late October, and returned to the starting line-up a few weeks later.
But scans suggest the right-back is set for an even lengthier spell on the sidelines this time around.
It is a big blow for Chelsea who will be without their captain for up to four months, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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Chelsea released an update on James’ condition which reads: “Captain Reece James has undergone medical assessment following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton.
“The defender was withdrawn during the first half at Goodison Park, and scan results have confirmed a hamstring injury.
“Reece will now begin his rehabilitation programme at Cobham.”
Injuries limited James to just 16 Premier League apperances last season and he has now missed 35 games since the start of the 2021/21 campaig because of hamstring issues.
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James has also missed a further 28 matches through muscle issues, illness and two knee injuries, with the latter ruling him out for 18 matches last term.
Mauricio Pochettino will likely call upon summer arrival Malo Gusto to deputise again but some Blues fans want an experienced right-back to be signed in January.
One supporter reacted to the news saying: “I love James but we need to sign an experienced right-back, we simply can’t afford this to happen every three months.”
Another added: “Chelsea it might be time to get a right-back.”
A third wrote: “Just sell him off or he should have a surgery on that damn hamstring. This used to be (Christian) Pulisic’s fate till he had that surgery. Get another proper right back and move on.”
And another commented: “We need a new captain, the team lacks leadership.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
