Maresca confirms James will miss Leicester clash with hamstring injury

Enzo Maresca confirmed that Reece James has suffered another hamstring injury and will miss Chelsea’s Premier League fixture against Leicester City on Saturday.

James made 11 appearances in all competitions last season before undergoing hamstring surgery, which was designed to help him overcome his series of injuries.

He returned to action in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last month, completing his first 90 minutes in 569 days a week later against Newcastle United.

Though his latest injury setback is his eighth hamstring problem in four years, while also picking up thigh, ankle and muscle issues along the way.

Maresca played down concerns about a long-term lay-off but confirmed James will miss Saturday’s match at the King Power Stadium.

“We have just one injured player and that’s Reece, who unfortunately felt something small in training two days ago, and we don’t want to take a risk for the weekend,” he said.

“It’s a hamstring, muscular problem. We will see, we don’t know for how long, for sure [we want him fit for longer]. At the moment it is not happening, but we hope it will happen soon.

“He is out this weekend, but hopefully he can be back soon. It’s probably difficult that he can be available for the Conference League [next Thursday], but hopefully soon.”

Chelsea captain Reece James to miss next game after possible hamstring injury pic.twitter.com/0gBnjg6wOv

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 21, 2024

Since his debut season in 2019-20, James’ most appearances came in the 2020-21 campaign, featuring 47 times in Chelsea’s Champions League winning season.

His best run of matches during that time is six in May 2021, but he managed just 482 minutes under Mauricio Pochettino in all competitions last season.

James has, however, managed more minutes (6138) in the Premier League since the 2020-21 season than any other player in the current Chelsea squad, though Enzo Fernandez (4375) is second, despite only joining the club in January 2023.