Latest Reece James injury highlights Chelsea’s January transfer masterstroke but issue remains
When it comes to luck, Reece James has it really bad.
The 23-year-old defender has suffered another injury-related setback as the Chelsea defender was forced to withdraw from the England squad to face Ukraine tonight (Sunday) with a “minor hamstring problem”. James has missed a total of 19 games this season (all competitions) through injury or illness.
For Chelsea, that has meant they have been without what is arguably their most important player in more than half of the games they have played this season. Graham Potter has been unable to use James for most of the time since taking over from Thomas Tuchel in September, which will no doubt have weighed on the side’s form.
CONTINUE READING: Graham Potter dealt injury damage to Chelsea as Reece James withdrew from the England squad
It means Potter had to field either Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back or right wing, depending on which formation the side used, or Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is a natural central midfielder. The right-back spot is a position that Chelsea supporters have been demanding in recent transfer windows, acknowledging that James needs support in the role.
The problem is because James is The Well, who would want to come and essentially play second fiddle to the England international? Well, Chelsea settled the issue in the January transfer window, with the club agreeing to the transfer of Malo Gusto from Lyon.
The talented 19-year-old, who has had a lot of interest in his signing from other quarters, chose Chelsea because he believes in the club’s long-term project and is excited and ready to be a part of it. However, Gusto will remain at Lyon on loan until the end of the season as the French club are keen to keep him for the remainder of their season. It’s something Chelsea didn’t want, but a compromise they were willing to make.
However, the problem for this season remains as Chelsea face a critical remainder of the season. Their hopes of a place in the top four are all but dashed, although Potter and his players will not give up the task, but the Champions League will now be the club’s main focus.
It remains unclear at this point whether James’ withdrawal from the England squad is merely a precautionary measure or more serious, but Chelsea will be desperate for the right-back to recover in time for next month’s doubles fixture against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals . Vinicius Jr. has been in sensational form for Los Blancos this season and remains one of the toughest wingers in world football. Without James to tag him, it could mean really bad news for the Blues.
Potter will do everything to wrap James in front of both legs and ensure he is in full fitness to face Real. Next season, Chelsea will be in a much better position should James miss games through injury, but their compromise in the January transfer window – which will pay off in the long run – means they find themselves in trouble again at right-back position.
CONTINUE READING:
Thomas Tuchel ready for Stamford Bridge return amid Chelsea and Man City Champions League replay
Andrey Santos reveals Chelsea’s transfer plan and names two stars he can’t wait to work with
Thomas Tuchel sees double Chelsea attack worth £44million as Bayern Munich summer transfer priority revealed
Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane were right about Eden Hazard and Chelsea proved it
Chelsea News & Transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumors and gossip from Stamford Bridge