Chelsea captain Reece James has vowed to “come out on top” despite suffering another frustrating injury setback.
The 24-year-old defender has played just 654 minutes of football since being appointed captain by Mauricio Pochettino in August 2023—equivalent to just over seven full matches.
James recently returned to action, featuring in matches against Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Manchester United. However, his minutes were carefully managed by new head coach Enzo Maresca, with James starting on the bench during Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
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On Thursday, Maresca confirmed that James had sustained another hamstring injury during training. According to The Telegraph, the extent of the injury won’t be determined until next week, as the club waits for swelling around the affected area to subside. Initially, Chelsea hoped to assess the damage over the weekend but must now delay their evaluation.
James addressed the setback on Instagram, sharing an emotional message with fans:
“This message is to the people that understand and respect what I’m going through… I appreciate you so much. Your support and kind words mean more than you could ever imagine.
“As for me, I’m doing OK. I’ve been better, but I’ve also been worse. Another challenge ahead—accepted. Eventually, I’ll come out on top, against all odds.
“Lastly, with the festive period coming, I know times are tough for many. I wish you all a happy and peaceful season.”
Despite James’ absence, Chelsea remain well-equipped at full-back. Malo Gusto, signed from Lyon in January 2023, has impressed with his versatility on both flanks and is set to continue on the right side of defense during James’ recovery.