According to The Athletic, Reece James experienced discomfort in his hamstring during training this week. He was substituted during Chelsea’s pre-season match against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Although the issue is considered ‘minor’ by sources close to the club, James has a history of hamstring problems and underwent surgery at the end of last year.
Chelsea plans to ‘err on the side of caution’ with James’ recovery, as he is already set to miss the beginning of the season due to suspension. James received a red card in Chelsea’s penultimate match last season, resulting in a four-match ban that will keep him out of domestic fixtures until after the international break next month, regardless of his fitness.
Since his debut in 2019, James has missed 82 of Chelsea’s 190 Premier League matches. He featured in only five league games last season and has suffered at least six hamstring injuries in the past five years.
With James suspended, Malo Gusto was expected to start the season as right-back. However, James’ injury raises concerns about his availability for the Europa Conference League playoffs at the end of August. The game against Bournemouth on September 14th is targeted as a potential return date for James, with Gusto prepared to cover for the Blues in their Premier League opener against Manchester City next week.