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Journalist gives ‘positive update’ on Reece James as he steps up injury return at Chelsea

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One of the most unfortunate stories so far this season as far as Chelsea are concerned has been surrounding the fitness of their club captain.

Reece James didn’t feature for the Blues this season until October 20th, however was only fit for four games before he was back on the treatment table again.

James was described as ‘devastated’ following his latest setback, as it was confirmed he was not going to play again in 2024.

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It has been claimed that Chelsea are still hesitant to sell James despite his horrific fitness record, with them more than aware of just how good he is when fit and firing.

Positive Reece James injury update

The Blues and in the midst of some form of defensive injury crisis at the moment. Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are both also out, while Marc Cucurella will miss their next league game against Everton after picking up a suspension.

There may be some positive news coming regarding the situation revolving the captain though, as he steps up his recovery.

Journalist Ishan Shah has stated that James is back on the grass, stepping up his individual programme ahead of a return to first team training duties.

He said: “Positive update on Reece James. He is back on the grass, running, and continuing his individual training program at Cobham. Hopefully we get a positive update from Enzo Maresca shortly.”

Reece James’ horrific injury record

It has been no secret that the England international has been on the wrong end of far too many injury concerns during his time as a first team player at Chelsea.

DateInjuryFromUntilDays MissedGames Missed
24/25Hamstring injuryNov 19, 202430 days8
24/25Hamstring injuryAug 9, 2024Oct 14, 202466 days11
23/24surgeryDec 11, 2023May 10, 2024151 days29
23/24Hamstring injuryAug 13, 2023Oct 6, 202354 days9
22/23Hamstring injuryApr 25, 2023May 31, 202336 days7
22/23Thigh problemsMar 26, 2023Mar 31, 20235 days
22/23IllMar 9, 2023Mar 15, 20236 days1
22/23Hamstring injuryMar 1, 2023Mar 5, 20234 days1
22/23Knee injuryDec 27, 2022Jan 31, 202335 days7
22/23Knee injuryOct 13, 2022Dec 12, 202260 days9
21/22Hamstring injuryApr 21, 2022Apr 28, 20227 days2
21/22Muscle injuryMar 3, 2022Mar 21, 202218 days5
21/22FitnessFeb 14, 2022Feb 24, 202210 days2
21/22Hamstring injuryDec 27, 2021Feb 14, 202249 days11
20/21Hamstring strainDec 24, 2020Jan 18, 202125 days5
20/21Ankle injuryDec 14, 2020Dec 28, 202014 days4
19/20KnockJun 1, 2020Jun 8, 20207 days
19/20BruiseJan 20, 2020Feb 3, 202014 days3
19/20Ankle injuryDec 23, 2019Dec 30, 20197 days2
19/20Ankle injuryJun 6, 2019Sep 26, 2019112 days21

In his recent absence, Malo Gusto has stepped up as a crucial player for the Blues, playing in a new-look inverted role at times this season under Enzo Maresca.

There may be more minutes coming the way of Josh Acheampong too in the coming weeks and months, after he has officially become a first team player following the signing of his new Chelsea contract.