Reece James
CHEEngland
Right
Dec 8, 1999
26
5'11"
181 lb
RB
CM
Possession Builder
ChelseaProgressing well, not yet ready
James (hamstring) is making good progress in his recovery but is not yet ready to return, according to coach Liam Rosenior. "Reece is getting along really well but he's not ready yet."
Analysis: James has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since two games and the club is taking no chances given his well-documented injury history, making a return in the coming weeks the most realistic timeline. Malo Gusto is expected to continue covering at right-back in his absence, with coach Liam Rosenior's side unable to afford any setbacks to one of their most important players.
Won't return until after break
James (hamstring) isn't expected back until after the international break, manager Liam Rosenior confirmed Thursday. "With Reece, we're going to look more after the international break. It's not serious, but there is something in his hamstring [scan] and it's something we'll monitor after the international break."
Analysis: James missed the 3-0 loss to PSG on Tuesday due to the injury, and while he's not dealing with a serious injury, the club will be extremely cautious with the recovery process considering James' lengthy injury history. This means Malo Gusto (illness) will operate at right-back for the time being when available, while Romeo Lavia could see time as James' replacement in midfield.
Suffers hamstring injury
James has sustained a hamstring injury and could be sidelined for several weeks, according to TheAthletic. According to manager Liam Rosenior, "It could be [a few weeks out]. With a hamstring injury, it's never great. Hopefully, we can get him scanned, find out the extent and then we will know more."
Analysis: There are reports James could be out multiple months, which is likely related to his problem with hamstring injuries in the past. At a minimum, he'll be out a couple weeks with the hope being it's not a more serious tear. The versatile defender is an undisputed starter, whether at right-back or in midfield thanks to his passing quality in open play and on set pieces, making his absence a major blow for the Blues in the upcoming matches. Andrey Santos and Romeo Lavia will likely fight for time in midfield in his place while Malo Gusto would occupy the right-back role.
Inks contract extension
James signed a contract extension with Chelsea until 2032, according to the club.
Analysis: James signed a new contract with Chelsea that will keep him at the club until 2032. The defender has made more than 200 appearances for the Blues, won five major trophies including the Champions League in 2021, and has captained the side more than 50 times. He also lifted the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup last year. The defender has been with Chelsea since joining the club's academy at six years old.
Sends in season high 11 crosses
James generated 11 crosses (four accurate) and nine corners in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
Analysis: James caused Arsenal constant problems with his delivery from set pieces, finishing with a season high 11 crosses and nine corners taken on the night. One of those corners forced an own goal from Piero Hincapie. The right back was equally impressive at the other end, contributing three tackles won and three clearances for a complete all round display.
Eight crosses in 1-1 draw
James registered eight crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Burnley.
Analysis: James attempted eight crosses but was unable to be accurate with any of them. James had missed the last two Premier League games but returned in the FA Cup win over Hull. This was the sixth time this year that he has attempted eight crosses, but this is the first time that he has failed to complete any when attempting eight or more. He is Chelsea's top set-piece taker, two ahead of Pedro Neto having taken five corners in this match.
Starting in FA Cup
James (illness) is in the starting lineup for Friday's FA Cup match against Hull City.
Analysis: James was a late call to face the Tigers in this match, but the captain will get the nod and start in his regular right-back role. James has yet to play in the FA Cup this season, but he's tallied two goals and six assists across 30 matches between the Premier League and the Champions League.
Late call to face Hull
James (illness) is a late call for Friday's match against Hull City, according to manager Liam Rosenior. "Reece has done modified training, but he's still under the weather. We'll make a decision on Reece tomorrow, but it's good news that he's back on the training pitch. In terms of his injury, he's absolutely fine. He's had a really bad bug but hopefully he's recovered from that."
Analysis: James is going to need some testing ahead of Friday's match, with the defender still not fully fit and needing some further training. He will then be subjected to a fitness test ahead of match time, testing his legs to see if he is fit enough to play. With Marc Cucurella out on the left, the club could be forced to be without their top two full-backs, leaving Jorell Hato, Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong as possible replacements on the flanks.
Sidelined again
James (undisclosed) is out for Tuesday's match against Leeds United.
Analysis: James was looking to be an option for Tuesday's match, but has been held out after some late testing, with the defender still dealing with an undisclosed injury. They will now look ahead to Friday's Cup match against Hull City on Friday, possibly returning then.
Should play Tuesday
James (undisclosed) is an option for Tuesday's match against Leeds United, according to manager Liam Rosenior. "Reece is fit, he's okay. A small issue is that he is feeling unwell today. It's no conspiracy, it's the truth. Hopefully he's well enough to be involved [against Leeds]."
Analysis: James is not going to miss time this week due to undisclosed issues, as the defender appears to be fit enough to play again. That said, the defender will look to eye a starting spot immediately upon his return, starting in four of his past five outings. He continues to see time between the midfield and right-back, with two goals and four assists in 23 appearances (16 starts).
Targeting Tuesday return
James (undisclosed) is targeting a return Tuesday, per manager Liam Rosenoir."He's so close. He should be fit for Tuesday. It's not a major problem at all. It's a knock. It's a pain management issue. He was doing running yesterday."
Analysis: James is expected to return for Tuesday's clash with Leeds United as he continues to struggle with some pain management issues. The defender has been constantly injured in recent months, with little nagging issues between major ones. James will be a positive contributor when back fit, but it seems him staying healthy for an extended period is unlikely.
Not an option Saturday
James (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Wolves.
Analysis: James is not available for Saturday's match against Wolves after failing to gain clearance following the final training session. His absence keeps him sidelined despite his importance this season with two goals and six assists across 30 appearances in all competitions. Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto are again set to see increased minutes in his place.
Late fitness call Saturday
James (undisclosed) could be available for Saturday's match against Wolverhampton and will be assessed after the final training session to determine his fitness, said coach Liam Rosenior in the press conference. "With regards to Reece and Pedro for this weekend, we don't know yet. We will see on those two over the next day or so. We had training today, yesterday was a recovery day for those that played in a really tough, physical game against Arsenal on Tuesday. We have another session tomorrow, so we'll check them then and make a decision for Wolves."
Analysis: James could be available for Saturday's match against Wolverhampton and will be assessed after the final training session to determine his fitness. The versatile Englishman, capable of featuring at left-back and in midfield, remains an important contributor after tallying two goals and six assists across 30 appearances in all competitions this season. Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto are expected to see increased minutes if James can't answer the call.
Out Tuesday with fitness issue
James didn't pass a late fitness test and was sidelined for Tuesday's EFL Cup action against Arsenal, Kieran Gill of the Daily Mail reports.
Analysis: James will hope to avoid a major injury with four more days to recover before the next Premier League matchup against Wolves. If he continues to sit out, it could lead to increased playing time for Malo Gusto and Andrey Santos at right-back and central midfield, respectively. Despite his minor injury struggles, James had taken part in each of the previous five contests across all competitions prior to Tuesday's cup semifinal.
Productive in first half
James generated two shots (zero on goal), seven crosses (zero accurate) and five corners in Wednesday's 1-0 victory against Pafos.
Analysis: James played only one half as a precaution to ensure he is fit for upcoming matches but still produced an impressive stat line against Pafos on Wednesday. He contributed offensively with two shots and seven crosses, including five corners, while also adding two tackles and one block defensively. The Englishman remains an important player for his side due to his vision, set-piece quality and versatility, as he can operate at right-back or in midfield. James has recorded two goals, six assists, 44 tackles and 35 interceptions across 77 appearances in all competitions.
Quiet offensively in win
James generated one cross (zero accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-0 win over Brentford.
Analysis: Jamest was quiet in attack, with no shots or chances created and producing only one chance across his last four appearances. He was more effective defensively, recording two tackles, two interceptions and matching his season-high of four clearances.
Makes starting XI
James (hip) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Brentford.
Analysis: James starts for Saturday's clash against the Bees after passing a late fitness test following the heavy knock to his hip suffered against Arsenal in the last game. The midfielder is cleared after the final training session and takes his place in the starting XI. He is fit enough to play a meaningful role in the match.
Likely against Brentford
James (hip) is likely to be available for Saturday's clash against Brentford, coach Liam Rosenior said in the press conference. "Reece and Cole, both of them are training today, so we just need to assess them after the session and make sure that they come through all of the protocols that they need to come through. It would be great to have them back in the squad [for the weekend]. At the moment, it looks like they could be [involved]."
Analysis: James will undergo a late fitness call after the final training session to know if the can make the squad for Saturday's clash against the Bees following the big knock he received to his hip against Arsenal. The medical staff looks optimistic about him being part of the squad, and if this is the case, the midfielder could play a decent role on Saturday.
Could be back Saturday
James (hip) "had a big knock on his hip. It was too sore for him today, so hopefully he'll be back for Saturday.", manager Liam Rosenior mentioned in press conference after Wednesday's loss to Arsenal, according to Bobby Vincent of Mirror Sport.
Analysis: James didn't play in any of the recent FA Cup and EFL Cup matchups while he recovered from his blow. He'll look to bounce back at least as a substitute going forward but may still need to be assessed prior to the weekend's clash with Brentford. The versatile man has made just one start since Dec. 27, in which he featured as a holding midfielder. Thus, all of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos will be in contention for spots if James requires more time to recover.
Sidelined with hip injury
James is not an option for Wednesday's EFL Cup meeting with Arsenal because of a knock to the hip, Kieran Gill of the Daily Mail reports.
Analysis: James was expected to be held out as a precaution, though it seems he'll remain questionable for the next league clash against Brentford, with his return depending on the severity of the blow. He has made only one start since Dec. 27 and was deployed as a holding midfielder on that occasion, so Andrey Santos may get increased opportunities as an alternative to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez until James is fully fit.
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