Chelsea supporters were handed a real worry just moments before kick-off of their Club World Cup quarter-final in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Despite being originally named in the starting line-up for the Blues to face Palmeiras, Reece James was forced to drop out of the side minutes before the game got underway due to a problem picked up in the warm-up.
Enzo Maresca replaced him with Andrey Santos, and despite having just moments to prepare, the Brazilian played a starring role in the hard-fought 2-1 win.
Chelsea supporters had been desperate to see Santos in action, however not at the expense of James after his return from injury had lasted nearly all of 2025.
Reece James gives perfect injury update
The England international’s performances have impressed during the Club World Cup. James was named in the Team of the Week for his goalscoring display against Benfica.
Given his torrid past when it comes to fitness, there were many fearing the worst upon the news. However, James took to his own Instagram to claim that he was going to be fit for their semi-final tie on Tuesday night against Fluminense.
He said: “I’m fit and well. See you on Tuesday.”
It remains to be seen which position the Englishman plays when he next starts for Chelsea. Many will be hoping to see more of Santos after his display, while Malo Gusto’s struggles continue at right-back.
The Frenchman thought he had opened his account for the club after two years, however his deflected effort eventually went down as an own goal.
James preparing to face former Chelsea teammate
Chelsea have already lined up against a former player in this tournament. Jorginho played a starring role in one of his first Flamengo games in the only game the Blues have lost so far.
Their next game will set them up against one of the more popular players in the club’s recent history in the form of Thiago Silva and his Fluminense side.
Silva has been incredible during the Club World Cup, and was stricken with emotion when he departed Stamford Bridge just over 12 months ago.
James clearly learned a lot from the Brazilian when he was in West London, however any friendship will be left at the door with a place in the Club World Cup final at stake.
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