Reece James sends message to England fans as extent of injury layoff confirmed

Chelsea star Reece James has taken to social media on Saturday evening, to provide an insight into his current mindframe.

This, of course, comes with the name of stopper James having taken its place centre stage in the English media headlines late tonight.

Chelsea’s gifted right-back set pulses racing across the club’s fanbase in midweek, after limping out of the Blues’ Champions League downing of Italian champions AC Milan.

Ensuing reports on the situation had since widely varied, with some outlets having pointed towards James preparing for an extended spell out of action, ahead of going under the knife.

London, UK. London, UK. 17th April 2022, Wembley Stadium, London England: FA Cup semi-final, Chelsea versus Crystal Palace; Reece James of Chelsea Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News London, UK. 17th April 2022, Wembley Stadium, London, England: FA Cup semi-final, Chelsea versus Crystal Palace; Reece James of Chelsea. Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News

A short time ago, though, the 22-year-old’s club provided some much-needed clarity.

In a post across their social media platforms, Chelsea announced that James, in fact, will not be forced into surgical intervention, but nevertheless looks set to sit out the coming eight weeks of action:

‘After consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks.’

An injury update on Reece James.

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 15, 2022

The latest word on James’ wellbeing, of course, does not only mark a major concern for all at Stamford Bridge.

In addition, it comes as a blow to England and Gareth Southgate, who now look altogether likely to kick the country’s World Cup campaign into gear next month with a key member of their setup unavailable for selection.

If the latest social media activity on the part of James himself is anything to go by, though, then perhaps all hope of the defender taking to the pitch in Qatar is not yet lost.

Taking to his official Twitter account a short time ago, Chelsea’s gifted full-back pointed towards an imminent ‘race against time’, in unveiling the following message:

The race against time is on… But we won’t give up.

— Reece James (@ReeceJames) October 15, 2022

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