Mauricio Pochettino has said he’s hopeful Chelsea captain Reece James will be fit again before the next international break.
Reece James, who’s 23, earned the privilege over the summer of being named the club captain.
Unfortunately, the Blues defender has played just one game so far this season and is sitting on the sidelines right now with a hamstring problem.
Chelsea confirmed via their official website on Friday morning that James is continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
The English right-back will be missing for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth. It sounds like there’s more of where that came from, too.
Chelsea’s head coach has explained the full-back’s current fitness situation and his wish of a potential return date before next month’s international break.
When discussing James, Pochettino said via the club’s official website: “He’s recovering well. I cannot say if he is close or not because we assess him every single day. He has started doing things on the pitch with the ball. He is doing really well, he is desperate to come back and help the team. I hope that he’s close and can be available before the next international break.”
The big difference this season is that the Chelsea fanbase are as stressed that key player James is facing another extended spell on the sidelines. That is because Malo Gusto is the impressive alternative at right-back.
It looks like Gusto, 20, will get a longer run in the XI to try build on a positive start to his Blues career.
We know James operates as one of the world’s elite right-backs when he’s fit and firing, but we’re really enjoying the displays from Gusto.
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