Reece James STILL has no return date from injury, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reveals… after playing just 413 Premier League minutes since being named captain last year

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca remains uncertain when Reece James will make his long-awaited return from injury.

This week it was reported that his return had suffered a setback and that his hamstring had ‘not healed as well as expected’.

James has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons, making just 16 Premier League appearances in the 2022-23 season and playing just 413 minutes last season.

Maresca said ahead of Chelsea’s lunchtime kick-off against West Ham on Saturday that James, who was appointed club captain in August 2023, still does not have a return date.

When asked about the 24-year-old, Maresca replied: ‘His injury happened a bit late.

Chelsea still don’t know when Reece James will return from injury

Enzo Maresca admitted he still doesn’t know when James will be ready to play

James played on the US summer tour but has not played a match this season

“The most important thing is that players come back when they are 100% fit. Reece is not there yet. Unfortunately, at the moment we have no idea (when he will come back). In this case, he has been very unlucky.”

James suffered the injury this summer after being sidelined for a long time due to a hamstring operation in December 2023.

He made two guest appearances in May, totalling 30 minutes, but injuries meant he was never in contention for a place in the squad for Euro 2024 with England.

James previously played for Chelsea during their summer tour of the United States, but has not yet featured for the London club in the Premier League this season.

The 24-year-old full-back has struggled with hamstring injuries throughout his career, which has undoubtedly prevented him from reaching the full potential of his immense talent.

James was confident that his fortunes would turn around in the summer of 2023 when he posted a photo of himself on X, with the caption: ‘New era loading… ps we’ve only just begun.’

James has started 118 games in all competitions during his Blues career, including 81 in the Premier League.

His problems at professional level began after an ankle injury during the Toulon tournament in June 2019, where he played for England.

James (top left) was forced to watch for most of last season, playing just 413 minutes in the Premier League

James has struggled for playing time due to injuries since becoming Chelsea captain

Since then, James has been sidelined with knee, thigh and ankle problems, with his hamstrings being a particular concern.

Not only did he miss the 2024 European Championship, he was also missing from the squad for the 2022 World Cup, having suffered a knee injury in the run-up to the World Cup.

Malo Gusto impressed in the captain’s absence, although Chelsea will face a shortage of right-backs against West Ham.

Gusto will be unavailable for the short trip to the capital after missing out on last week’s win over Bournemouth after suffering a thigh injury against Crystal Palace earlier this month.