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‘I can’t’: 23-year-old Chelsea player admits he can’t play every minute of every game right now

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Reece James has claimed on ‘The Kelly and Wrighty show’ that he is unable to play every minute of every game for Chelsea right now.

The England international recently completed 90 minutes against West Ham at the weekend, his first since he originally fell injured against AC Milan in October.

His attempts to play up until this point have not lasted longer than a half, however a full showing is great news for Chelsea fans as they look forward to the Borussia Dortmund Champions League match tomorrow.

West Ham United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

There will however be a hope amongst the fanbase that he can remain fit for the rest of the season after seeing his campaign plagued with injuries so far.

James admits he needs to manage minutes

James himself has now claimed that he is aware he is not able to play every game this season, admitting he needs to listen to himself in terms of his fitness.

He said: ‘It has to be something I think about. I can’t just try to play every minute of every game because it wouldn’t make sense. I need to try and stay injury free for the rest of the season and help the team as much as I can. That can only be done by using my head and saying what I feel and how I feel.”

West Ham United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images

Of all the new signings that have made the move to Stamford Bridge in January, there will perhaps be no bigger addition to the side than a fully fit James.

There will be hopes he can form a strong relationship with Noni Madueke ahead of him, who has looked dangerous in his two appearances for the club so far.

However, the young Englishman will be unable to feature in the Champions League due to UEFA rules restricting how many new signings can be registered to the squad.