Reece James has taken to social media to issue a statement after being forced off injured again last night for Chelsea.
The England international was making his return to professional football as the Blues got their season back underway with the Premier League fixture against Bournemouth.
Despite facing a well-renowned bogey team, they ran out comfortable 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Mason Mount.
It wasn’t all positives for Graham Potter though. He lost his right-back just minutes after the half-time break after he signalled to the bench that he couldn’t continue.
The look of pain and disappointment on his face will have resonated with Chelsea fans, as what had been a seamless return to action instantly turned sour.
Everyone will now be praying that the injury does not result in a spell on the sidelines similar to when he first suffered a knee injury this season back in October.
James issues statement
The issue originally saw him ruled out of the World Cup this winter.
He took to both Instagram and Twitter with a message for his supporters, after declaring 2022 as his toughest year personally.
He said: “2022 has been the toughest year to date. Just wanna thank you all for the support, none of you go unnoticed.
“It’s naturally effected me mentally, I’m currently just tryna deal with the cards I’ve been dealt. I hope your end of year is filled with peace, joy & happiness.”
England international Jude Bellingham was quick to respond with his own message of support to the 23-year-old.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is still linked with a move to Stamford Bridge next summer, when he is surely likely to be on the move from the Bundesliga.
Despite Todd Boehly’s personal interest in the deal, it appears as if the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid are further along in the process of signing the highly-rated teenager at the end of the campaign.
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