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

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Chelsea captain Reece James has unfortunately had to watch from the sidelines during the first few weeks of the new season.

Reece James was suspended for the Blues’ opening three Premier League games, so he’s now served that domestic ban. The 24-year-old Chelsea defender has been nursing a hamstring injury anyway, which caused him to miss European qualifiers, and he’s still waiting for his first appearance of the 2024/25 campaign.

Speaking via Football London a couple of weeks ago, Enzo Maresca shared hope that James would be fit after September’s international break.

It doesn’t sound like the English right-back will be in contention for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth in the league, though.

• READ MORE: Many Chelsea fans are urging Enzo Maresca to give summer signing his first start against Bournemouth

Reece James is back on the grass

Respected journalist Simon Phillips has reported via his Substack on Thursday what he’s heard from sources about the fitness of Chelsea’s skipper.

Apparently, James does remain out injured for this weekend’s trip to Bournemouth.

It is understood that the right-back has been back on the grass during the international break, but the Blues are not planning to rush him back. When you look at his poor historical record with regular injuries, it does feel like the sensible approach from the club.

Chelsea dilemma at full-back against Bournemouth

As mentioned above, James is expected to be missing away to Bournemouth. There’s also suggestions that Malo Gusto could also be absent, so Chelsea could be without their two senior right-backs.

The Evening Standard recently claimed that Gusto is set to miss the Bournemouth trip through injury.

It’s going to be interesting to see what Maresca does at right-back because he’s got several options to choose from.

Axel Disasi can slot in at right-back, something he’s done in Europe. Also, Moises Caicedo has done a job at full-back before as well. If Chelsea want to brave, they could always promote 18-year-old academy product Josh Acheampong to give them a natural right-back.