Chelsea face a major problem following Reece James picking up a hamstring injury in training. The England international left the opening Premier League match of the season against Liverpool on Sunday early, and now it seems he may be out for months.
Initially, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said James felt "tired" and he wanted to "avoid risk" by taking him off. However, the club has since confirmed a hamstring strain for James. They are waiting on further tests to understand the full extent of the damage.
If James is ruled out for a long time, it will seriously affect Chelsea. The 23-year-old is one of their most important players. He has played very well recently and helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021. He was also named to the PFA Team of the Year.
Chelsea are already without Ben Chilwell due to a long hamstring injury too. This leaves them short on options at left back. They may need to look at transfers to replace James.
James' injury is the latest bad news for Chelsea. They also lost Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan. Several other players are leaving too. So Chelsea likely start the season with a weaker squad. They will hope James recovers quickly.
For now, Chelsea must find ways to cope without their captain. Young defender Malo Gusto signed from Lyon this summer and may start at left back. But he is new to the Premier League, so will need time to adjust.
Chelsea's next match is against West Ham on Sunday. Even without James, it will be a tough test. They will need a strong performance to earn a result.
Initially, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said James felt "tired" and he wanted to "avoid risk" by taking him off. However, the club has since confirmed a hamstring strain for James. They are waiting on further tests to understand the full extent of the damage.
If James is ruled out for a long time, it will seriously affect Chelsea. The 23-year-old is one of their most important players. He has played very well recently and helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021. He was also named to the PFA Team of the Year.
Chelsea are already without Ben Chilwell due to a long hamstring injury too. This leaves them short on options at left back. They may need to look at transfers to replace James.
James' injury is the latest bad news for Chelsea. They also lost Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan. Several other players are leaving too. So Chelsea likely start the season with a weaker squad. They will hope James recovers quickly.
For now, Chelsea must find ways to cope without their captain. Young defender Malo Gusto signed from Lyon this summer and may start at left back. But he is new to the Premier League, so will need time to adjust.
Chelsea's next match is against West Ham on Sunday. Even without James, it will be a tough test. They will need a strong performance to earn a result.