England manager Thomas Tuchel was without Chelsea captain Reece James for his side’s 2-0 win against Panama last Saturday.
James played in both of England’s first two World Cup matches but missed their last group-stage game because of a hamstring injury.
It is a story that Chelsea fans are very familiar with, and they will have some concerns after Tuchel’s latest update despite it sounding quite positive.
Reece James as a central midfielder or a right-back under Xabi Alonso?👀
The million pound question!
Thomas Tuchel sounds ready to rush Reece James back from hamstring injury
While James is set to miss England’s round of 32 clash against DR Congo, Tuchel has suggested that the defender could be back for the Three Lions’ next game if they manage to qualify for the last 16.
Speaking about James and Jarell Quansah, who is also out injured, Tuchel told BBC Sport and the rest of the English media: “In the nature of their injury, Jarell is a little bit ahead of Reece. But the race was close even to make it into the match squad this time, so we need to make sure that we have more matches. That is the main focus, and then they will be available very soon.”
Hamstring injuries are serious, though, and can be recurring, or at least in James’ case. Chelsea have seen the right-back recover from this problem before, only to lose him again shortly after.
Ultimately, there will be fears at Chelsea that Tuchel is rushing their skipper back. Hamstring injuries need time, and it feels as though the German is not giving James enough.
He could end up doing England and Chelsea more harm than good by bringing James back so quickly.
Reece James’ future is in midfield or central defence
James is one of the best right-backs in the world, but you would have to question whether he can actually finish his career playing there.
It is a role that requires a lot of running and high-intensity sprints. Can James’ hamstrings cope with that? Right now, it does not look like they can.
Fortunately, the 26-year-old can also play in midfield or on the right side of a back three. He does not have to do much sprinting in either of those positions and has never disappointed when starting there.
It is certainly something for Tuchel and Xabi Alonso to think about going forward.
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