Recce James facing a further month on the sidelines with injury set to keep him out of action till after the festive period.
Recce James is not expected to play before the end of December.
The degree of the Chelsea right-back’s most recent hamstring issue was determined by a scan.
After surgery last year, the 24-year-old, who has only made four appearances this season, had believed his fitness issues would be resolved. After ripping a hamstring, Chelsea’s captain underwent the operation in an attempt to restart his career.
Chelsea must prepare to be without James throughout the hectic holiday season because he missed last weekend’s victory over Leicester and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month. James has only played 15 times since being named captain at the beginning of last season.
Enzo Maresca, who took over as head coach last summer, hasn’t had many chances to use James, so this is a setback. James had to recover from a niggle after serving a suspension at the beginning of the season. His ability is demonstrated by the fact that he started Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool in October as soon as he was ready.
Then, against Newcastle, Maresca employed James as a left-back. The head coach of Chelsea has choices at right-back, which is a plus. When Malo Gusto started in place of James during this month’s draw with Arsenal, it was unexpected. Since moving here from Lyon last year, Gusto has been outstanding.
James is among the world’s best right-backs, which irritates Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel, who coached him at Chelsea, will be planning to help him regain his England spot. James missed the 2022 World Cup due to a knee injury, and Gareth Southgate was unwilling to take the chance of sending him to Euro 2024.
James, who has suffered a spate of hamstring and knee problems since a first in December 2021, will be supported by Chelsea.