Chelsea learn extent of Reece James injury and time on sideline after fresh hamstring issue - Reports
Chelsea have received information on the extent of the hamstring injury to captain Reece James and will be without the right-back until January. The 24-year-old was absent from the Blues squad that faced Leicester City in the Premier League at the weekend due to a hamstring strain.
The English defender has struggled with fitness issues for most of the last two years, last appearing for the English national team in March 2023.
The talented right-back damaged his hamstring on the opening day of the 2023-24 season and missed most of the season after undergoing surgery. He re-injured his hamstring during pre-season in August and has made just four appearances for the Blues this season.
Reece James injured his hamstring in training with the Chelsea squad during the international break last week, with the problem initially regarded as minor. The Telegraph, however, has exclusively reported that the right-back will not return to action for Enzo Maresca's side until the second half of the season.
Chelsea had sought to manage James' participation this season, limiting him to just the Premier League, where he had a less intense role. The Englishman played just 241 minutes, including two full games, for the side before suffering this latest setback.
Reports emerged following his injury that the Blues are open to parting ways with him due to his incessant fitness issues, but The Telegraph have rubbished those reports. They claim that the club will provide physical and psychological support to the full-back to return to fitness as soon as possible.
James has played just 654 minutes of football since the start of the 2023-24 season, with French youngster Malo Gusto deputizing excellently for him. The Blues are reportedly prepared to offer an improved contract to the 21-year-old, who has been a key player for them.
Chelsea youngster returns to training amid contract stand-off
Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong was pictured in training with the first team as they prepare to face Heidenheim in the UEFA Europa Conference League, a welcome sight for fans. The England U-20 international has been frozen out by the club for over a month over a contract dispute.
Academy graduate Acheampong made his professional debut under Mauricio Pochettino in the closing months of the 2023-24 season against Tottenham Hotspur. The 18-year-old has been spoken highly of by Enzo Maresca this season but has made only one appearance for the Blues.
Acheampong trained with the first team as they prepared to jet out to Germany to face Heidenheim today (November 28). The teenager did not travel to the game but is expected to be involved in the coming weeks, with the Blues set to play nine times in December.
