James' Explosive Slides Secure Reece's Lopsided Victory!
Reece James suffers another hamstring injury Chelsea captain Reece James (26) faces another spell on the sidelines after suffering a fresh hamstring injury just days after committing his long-term future to the club, Sky Sports has reported. The 26-year-old right-back, who last week signed a new six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, felt the problem during Chelsea’s recent defeat by Newcastle United. It represents the tenth hamstring injury of his career since December 2020 and comes at a delicate stage of the season for head coach Liam Rosenior and his side.
Chelsea have slipped to sixth in the Premier League after a difficult run of form and now face a daunting task in Europe, attempting to overturn a heavy deficit against Paris Saint‑Germain in the UEFA Champions League. Rosenior confirmed James will miss the crucial second leg. “ Reece felt something in his hamstring against Newcastle ,” he said.
“ It’s a really frustrating and disappointing one for us. With a hamstring injury it’s never great, and we’ll scan him to understand the full extent . ” James had spoken optimistically only days earlier after extending his contract, reflecting on a difficult injury history.
“ I’ve come through two or three years of struggles and setbacks ,” he said. “ I’m in a really good place at the moment. ” That optimism has now been interrupted once again.
For Chelsea, the absence of their captain removes not only a key defender but also one of the squad’s most influential leaders at a pivotal moment in the campaign. GFN | Finn Entwistle