Norwich City manager Dean Smith was full of praise for Chelsea defender Reece James and described him as a “threat” ahead of Thursday’s Premier League clash.
Unfortunately for the Blues, James is unlikely to make the trip to Carrow Road after Thomas Tuchel confirmed his muscular injury.
The 22-year-old has arguably been Chelsea’s best players this season alongside Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger, and as Tuchel said in his press conference, it is “not good news” to lose such an important player.
It is safe to say that Smith and his Norwich side will be relieved not having to deal with James on Thursday.
“Obviously more so in a wing-back role that [he plays at] Chelsea, he’s a really adventurous player,” the Norwich City boss said about James in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday (via The PinkUn).
“I watched him closely when he was on loan at Wigan. What a player he was there as well.
“It’s no surprise to me that he’s taken his form into Chelsea.
“He’s gone from strength to strength, so he’s certainly one to watch.
“I think he set a couple of goals last week at Burnley. He’s certainly a threat in the box.”
Tuchel said that there would be further examinations on Wednesday, and hopefully, it is just a minor injury.
James sustained the injury during the 4-0 win over Burnley last weekend, and while he had to be replaced in the second half, he also insisted that he felt fine after the game.
The England international has already had five goals and six assists in the Premier League this season, the second-highest at Chelsea in terms of goal contributions after fellow academy graduate Mason Mount.
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