Chelsea’s injury concerns have deepened after captain Reece James picked up a fresh hamstring problem in training, just weeks after finally returning from his latest lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Softfootball can reveal manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the setback on Thursday, explaining the club’s cautious approach:
We have for sure just one injured player which is Reece. Unfortunately he felt something small and we don’t want to take any risks this weekend.
It’s a hamstring, it’s a muscle problem. We don’t want to take any risks for this weekend.
James had only recently worked his way back into the side, playing 53 minutes against Liverpool on October 20 before featuring in full against Newcastle and Manchester United.
He will now miss Saturday’s trip to Leicester, with Chelsea also facing Heidenheim in the Conference League and Aston Villa in the league in the days ahead, a busy stretch made harder without their captain.
