How Reece James now feels after reports he is still not fit to return for Chelsea

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Chelsea captain Reece James remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, which he picked up just before the season started.

Reece James hasn’t suffered a setback on his road to recovery, but reports claim that he is still not ready to return to first-team action.

While sidelined, Malo Gusto has filled in for James, but he, too, missed Chelsea‘s last outing.

It resulted in Axel Disasi, a central defender, having to play at right-back. The Blues got the win in the end, though, beating Bournemouth 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.

• READ MORE: Journalist shares what he’s heard about Chelsea star Reece James and his return from injury

Reece James happy with Chelsea’s plans for him

Over the last few years, James has picked up so many injuries. Last season, the 24-year-old was only able to make 10 appearances in the Premier League.

As a result, it looks like Chelsea are now trying to be extremely cautious with their skipper.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, the club’s physios do not want to rush James back and he has no problem with that.

On his Substack, he wrote: “Chelsea and the club physios are simply taking their time and being extra cautious with bringing James back in, something the player is happy to do as well.”

Enzo Maresca was hoping to have James back after the international break, but it would not be a surprise if Chelsea supporters did not see him until after the next one.

Reece James’ contract could become a problem

Over the summer, Chelsea tried to get rid of some of their high earners. They had some success after offloading Romelu Lukaku, while Arsenal are paying some of Raheem Sterling’s wages while he is on loan with them.

Ultimately, it is quite clear that Chelsea no longer want players earning super high salaries. That could be bad news for James.

According to Spotrac, the England international earns £250,000 a week. That is a lot of money to pay to someone who barely plays.

If James cannot find a way to stay fit, you would have to worry for his future at Stamford Bridge. The club’s owners have had no problems with offloading academy graduates, with Conor Gallagher being sold to Atletico Madrid and Trevoh Chalobah loaned to Crystal Palace over the summer.