Chelsea’s first-team assistant coach Zsolt Low has confirmed that Reece James won’t be playing tomorrow against Al Hilal.
The Blues face off against Saudi Arabian opponents Al Hilal on Wednesday afternoon in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals.
James, who’s not played since the end of the December due to injury, is part of the Chelsea squad out in Abu Dhabi.
However, the 22-year-old won’t be making his comeback in midweek.
With Thomas Tuchel absent from the Club World Cup trip after testing positive for Covid-19, his assistant Low stepped up for media questions on Tuesday. He’s given an update on the full-back’s condition:
“Reece James, no chance he’ll play in the cup. He’s in a good way but will miss still some days. He’s here to enjoy the group again,” Low said.
James will lift Chelsea
It turns out Blues supporters will have to wait a little while longer to see James on the pitch. It’s going to be a massive boost for everyone when that moment comes, though.
The right wing-back was enjoying a stupendous first half of the season before he sustained a hamstring problem. Tottenham and England forward Harry Kane recently said he’s been “fantastic” this season.
He’s scored five goals and made six assists in 23 appearances so far this campaign in all competitions.
Obviously, Tuchel’s side are missing his creative threat from out wide. The Blues have even moved away from a wing-back system at times because it’s not quite the same without James and Ben Chilwell.
Cesar Azpilicueta is surely the most likely selection at right-back in the match against Al Hilal. However, Trevoh Chalobah or versatile Callum Hudson-Odoi could be left-field options that are available to choose.
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