“He should just retire”- Fans react as Enzo Maresca laments Chelsea captain Reece James picking up injury yet again
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has no idea when captain Reece James will be back from a hamstring injury sustained in December.
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Enzo Maresca has no idea when Reece James will be back from injury (Via X/@ChelseaFC)
Reece James has struggled with injury ever since he made his senior professional debut for Chelsea. The Englishman was recently handed bad news, as the player is still far from being fit following a hamstring injury suffered in December. Manager Enzo Maresca did not seem hopeful as he spoke about the 24-year-old and evaluated a potential date for his return.
James is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the English top flight alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, recurring injuries have let the player play only 16 games last season. Maresca and his staff currently rely on Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi to play at right back. However, the former was subbed off with an injury against Crystal Palace earlier this month and will not play the game against West Ham United.
His injury is a bit delayed. Unfortunately, we don't have any idea when he'll be back at the moment. In this case, he's been very unlucky.Enzo Maresca via GOAL
Chelsea currently find themselves in eighth position after seven points in four games and will look to climb the table as the season progresses. They also have EFL Cup games and UEFA Conference League fixtures lined up this month.
Fans react as Maresca gives no fixed date for Reece James’ return
A fan commented that injuries have truly destroyed Reece James‘ career and hampered his path to becoming one of the best right backs in Premier League history. After playing just ten games in the Premier League last season, a fan stated that he should simply retire and give up on regaining fitness at this point.
Some fans found hope in the fact that Chelsea aren’t rushing his return and that James will only be given a start once he’s completely fit. A few Blues were fed up with the situation and said that his ‘zero availability’ throughout the season is something that stands in the way of him becoming important to the team.
James is the highest paid player at Chelsea, earning £250,000 a week. The defender signed a six-year contract in 2022, which keeps him at Stamford Bridge till 2028. James is also a Cobham graduate and has trained with the Blues since the age of six. Captaining his boyhood club has been a dream come true for the player, and as he continues his battle with injury, fans are hopeful that he finally finds a way to remain fit.
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Sherwin Shaju
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