Chelsea captain Reece James has been ruled out of the Blues’ Premier League clash against Leicester City this weekend after suffering another hamstring injury, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
James, 24, has struggled with persistent muscular issues in recent seasons. He only recently returned from a five-month injury layoff during Chelsea’s narrow 2-1 loss to Liverpool on October 20.
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Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Maresca provided an update on the defender’s condition:
“We have just one injured player, that is Reece.
He felt something small, and we don’t want to take any risks. He is the only one for sure who is injured.
The rest, some are better, some are still a doubt. It’s a hamstring issue, a muscle problem, and we don’t want to take any risks.”
James’ recurring injuries have severely limited his game time. Last season, he managed just 482 minutes of first-team football due to ongoing hamstring problems.
In December 2023, he underwent surgery to address the issue but suffered another setback during Chelsea’s preseason tour in the United States this summer.
Maresca had previously acknowledged on October 18 that James’ return to full match fitness would require careful management.
He stated that the player’s body wasn’t yet ready to handle two matches in a week, emphasizing the need to gradually reintegrate him into the squad.
Since his comeback, James has featured in consecutive matches against Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester United, while also making a late substitute appearance during Chelsea’s draw with Arsenal before the international break.
However, this latest injury setback means he will once again watch from the sidelines.
Chelsea will now look to manage their captain’s recovery carefully to ensure his long-term fitness as they navigate the challenges of a demanding season.
