"We don't know how many days he needs" - Enzo Maresca provides Reece James injury update ahead of Chelsea's UECL clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided an update on club captain Reece James' injury status ahead of the club's UEFA Europa Conference League clash. The West London club will visit the German outfit FC Heidenheim on Thursday (November 28) hoping to extend their winning streak to four games.

James came through the English outfit's famed Cobham facilities to represent and be named the club captain. He has made 162 appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals and providing 22 assists. He's helped the team win the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, among other honors.

Speaking about the defender's fitness at a recent press conference, Maresca said via Absolute Chelsea:

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"Yes [he's had a scan]. The only thing we can say is that he is getting better day by day. We don't know how many days he needs. He's getting better."

Reece James has played only 242 minutes across four games under Enzo Maresca. In his absence, Malo Gusto established himself as a vital member of the Italian's side.

"Hopefully, he comes back soon" - Chelsea star hopes for speedy Reece James recovery

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has wished club Captain Reece James a speedy recovery from his recent injury troubles. The defender has endured a tough time with injuries, missing 41 games from December 2023.

Cucurella joined the English side in 2022 from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee of €65.3 million. He has played 72 games for the west London side, 30 of which came alongside James. Speaking about the absence of his club captain in a recent interview with LondonWorld via FotMob, the Euro 2024 winner said:

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"I think for me personally, he's one of the best players we have in the squad. Hopefully, he comes back soon. For sure, it's tough because he's fit again and then has a small injury, but we know him and we know he's very important for us. He's the captain, so all of us want him back as soon as possible."

Reece James is currently contracted to Chelsea until the summer of 2028 and will be keen to put his injury issues behind him moving forward. The defender has already missed 12 games from injury this season.

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