Chelsea’s captain, Reece James, has been ruled out of this weekend’s crucial Premier League match against Leicester City due to a fresh injury.
The 24-year-old defender is dealing with a hamstring issue, described as a “small muscle problem” by Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca.
In a statement released ahead of Saturday’s game, Maresca explained the decision, emphasizing the club’s cautious approach to avoid any long-term setbacks. “It’s a hamstring issue, a muscle problem.
It’s a small one, but we don’t want to take any risks for the weekend,” Maresca said, confirming James will not feature in the squad.
This latest injury comes as a blow to Chelsea, who have already faced challenges with key player availability this season.
James has been a pivotal figure for the Blues, both defensively and offensively, and his absence will be keenly felt in the upcoming match against Leicester, who have been in strong form.
Chelsea fans will be hoping the injury is short-lived, with James expected to undergo further assessments.
Maresca’s side will now have to adjust their plans for the match, potentially relying on other defenders to fill the void left by their captain.