'Our own Jack Wilshere': Chelsea patience with James running out after ANOTHER injury blow

Suraj Radia

• 17 Sept 2024 14:30 BST
• 4 min read

At his peak, Reece James has proven to be one of the best right-backs in the world and the captain that Chelsea want to build their team around, however patience over his fitness may soon be running out after yet another setback.

James felt he had put his injury troubles behind him after making just five Premier League starts last season, with the England international beginning pre-season fit and raring to go.

However, just days before the start of the new campaign, Chelsea announced their skipper had picked up a ‘minor’ injury after feeling discomfort in his hamstring during a pre-season friendly.

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James was suspended for Chelsea’s opening three games of the season, leading to the club to ‘err on the side of caution’ and extend his recovery until the international break.

But with the international break having come and gone, James was still a notable absentee for Chelsea’s win over Bournemouth, which the club had initially pencilled in as his return.

And new reports have claimed that James has no return date in sight after his recovery was not as quick as anticipated, with Chelsea’s physios keen to avoid rushing the 24-year-old back and putting his career in an even more precarious position.

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James has missed a staggering 86 of Chelsea’s 194 Premier League games since making his debut for the club in 2019 and he has had no fewer than six hamstring injuries in the past five years, including having surgery on it at the end of last year.

Despite his talent, James have consistently proven he is unable to be relied on, particularly as one of the club’s top earners and a leading figure both on and off the pitch.

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The Blues have been fortunate that backup right-back Malo Gusto’s form has made James’ absence nothing more than a footnote but the Frenchman may now be considered the club’s first choice in the role going forward.

Supporters on social media have drawn comparisons between James and former Arsenal protégé Jack Wilshere, who also saw his career derailed by injury despite an abundance of talent.

For Chelsea, James has four years remaining on his contract but his value has plummeted due to his injuries, having once been touted for a big money move to Real Madrid.

Chelsea will have no choice but to stand by their skipper but it is likely to be more out of loyalty rather than a belief that he will ever be able to be the first name on the teamsheet as he once was.

Even with his tender age, James’ minutes and regime will need to be managed throughout his career if he is ever to achieve his physical peak, with the defender closer to Wilshere’s legacy as a ‘Barclays man’ than fulfilling his potential as a Premier League legend.