Chelsea: Reece James set to miss several weeks as Rosenior confirms hamstring injury
It's a huge blow for the Blues.
Chelsea captain Reece James is set to miss several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury that Liam Rosenior believes could be serious.
James signed a new six-year contract at Stamford Bridge last week, having enjoyed an excellent season in which he displayed his value both at right-back and as a midfielder.
The England international has scored twice and provided six assists in all competitions for the Blues.
However, he has career has consistently been hindered by injuries, and he now appears set to miss the majority of Chelsea’s run-in.
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Chelsea boss confirms huge blow
James played the entire game as Chelsea followed up their 5-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 home defeat in the Premier League to Newcastle United.
The 26-year-old did not train on Monday as Chelsea prepare to try to overturn the deficit in their last-16 tie with PSG and it was later reported that James is facing an extended absence.
And, in his pre-match press conference, Liam Rosenior confirmed a huge blow to his side.
“Reece, he’s felt something in his hamstring at the end of the Newcastle game,” Rosenior said.
“We don’t know the full extent of the injury, but he will be out for tomorrow’s game. It could be [serious]. With a hamstring injury, it’s never great. Hopefully we can get him scanned and find out the full extent.”
Chelsea remaining fixtures
James’ absence could hardly have come at a worse time for the Blues.
In addition to trying to keep their European season alive, the Blues are still in the FA Cup and face a battle with Liverpool and Aston Villa for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Chelsea are a point behind Liverpool in fifth and two behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Chelsea remaining fixtures
- Paris Saint-Germain (h) – March 17
- Everton (a) – March 21
- Port Value (h, FA Cup quarter-final) – April 4
- Manchester City (h) – April 12
- Manchester United (h) – April 18
- Brighton (a) – April 26
- Nottingham Forest (h) – May 2
- Liverpool (a) – May 9
- Tottenham (h) – May 17
- Sunderland (a) – May 24
With three of their remaining eight league fixtures coming against sides in the top six, the Blues are at a point in the season where they can ill-afford to have their best players on the sideline.
As such, James suffering an injury as Chelsea dropped more costly points could come to be seen as a significant turning point in their season.