Reece James Often Has Muscle Problems, Chelsea Loses

Reece James is often absent for Chelsea due to muscle injury problems (Instagram/@reece).

JAKARTA - Reece James has another hamstring injury. The captain will miss Chelsea's trip to face Leicester City at King Power in week 12 of the 2024/2025 Premier League, Saturday, November 23, 2024.

James has suffered a muscle injury that has often occurred over the past few seasons. He only returned from injury for five months when Chelsea lost 1-2 against Liverpool on October 20, 2024.

"We only have one player injured, namely Reece. Unfortunately, he feels something small. We don't want to take any risks this weekend."

"So, only one is definitely not available this weekend. The rest, some of them are getting better, some of them are still in doubt. We'll see," Maresca said on Thursday, November 21, 2024, local time.

"Hamstring. It's a muscle problem. We don't want to take any risks this weekend, as I said. Hopefully it won't last long," he said again.

The 24-year-old only played 482 minutes with Chelsea last season with a hamstring injury kept him out of action.

He underwent surgery to fix the issue in December 2023, before suffering another hamstring injury during the club's pre-season tour in the United States this summer.

Maresca said on October 18, 2024 that she wanted to slowly return James to the first team by limiting his playing time first.

You see, he feels Reece James' body is unable to undergo two games a week.

Since returning, James has started a consecutive match against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and featured for the last eight minutes as Chelsea drew against Arsenal before the international break.

James called the setback another challenge, but insisted he would return.

"This message is addressed to people who understand and respect what I'm going through."

"I really appreciate you, your good support and message more than you can imagine," James wrote on Instagram.

"I am fine, I have been better and have also been worse. I have accepted other challenges ahead. In the end I will win. Against all obstacles," he said again.

Chelsea are currently competing at the top of the Premier League standings this season. They are in third place with 19 points, nine points clear of Liverpool at the top.

Without Reece James' presence, the Blues are certainly difficult to keep the performance of the season's start going well.

They won five wins, four draws, and two defeats from 11 matches.