Reece James out for the YEAR after latest injury setback

Reece James has received some bad news following a scan on his injured hamstring.

Matt Law of the Telegraph reports that after seeing the results of the scan, the Chelsea captain is not expected to play again until the end of December.

That would mean that the Blues' Boxing Day fixture at home against Fulham is the earliest we can expect to see him put on that no. 24 shirt again.

And given that the post-Christmas fixture list in English football is usually fully stacked and furiously fought, neither of which is the best environment for a player looking to recover from hamstring damage, it may be that we have to wait until 2025 before we see Reece James play for Chelsea again.

Law also reports that Chelsea are doing all they can to support James through the mental struggles of this latest setback.

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However there have also been reports earlier this week that due to his inability to stay fit, Chelsea are open to selling James at a vastly reduced price (as low as €24 million) in the January transfer window.

That would be a shocking move as James is club captain, has been with Chelsea all his life and his sister, England international and striking sensation Lauren James, is currently starring for Chelsea Women.

Maresca expects more from James

For what it's worth, about a month ago when James had just returned from his previous injury, Enzo Maresca was critical of James' attitude.

It wasn't a harsh criticism, but the Italian coach said "I expect from him more in terms of leadership inside the changing room," following up with "he's on the way, he's doing well, he's progressing but I expect more."

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Maresca pointed out that he expects Reece James, as captain, to be a proper leader for the club. "He's a reserved guy," said Maresca, "but when you don't have a proper leader, you need to build that. I think we don't have a proper leader. We need to build them."

"Reece is one who is on the way but he's not there. He needs to make an effort."

One suspects his lack of vocal leadership, as well as his injury prone nature, are big reasons why Chelsea would consider selling him.