Reece James STILL doesn’t have a return date from injury reveals Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca… after playing just 413 Premier League minutes since being named captain last year

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is still unsure when Reece James will make his long-awaited return from injury.

Reports this week claimed his return had suffered a setback and his hamstring had “not healed as well as expected”.

James has been plagued by injuries over the past two campaigns, making just 16 Premier League appearances in the 2022-23 season and playing just 413 minutes last season.

Ahead of Chelsea’s game against West Ham on Saturday lunchtime, Maresca said James, who was appointed club captain in August 2023, still has no return date set.

Asked about the 24-year-old, Maresca said: ‘His injury is a bit delayed.

Enzo Maresca admitted that he still doesn’t know when James will be ready to play

James participated in the summer tour of the United States, but has not yet played a game this season.

“The most important thing is that players come back when they are 100% fit. Reece is still out. Unfortunately, we have no idea at the moment (when he will return). In this case, he has been very unlucky.”

James suffered his current injury this summer after an extended period on the sidelines recovering from hamstring surgery in December 2023.

He made two cameo appearances in May, totalling 30 minutes, but his injury problems meant he was never in the running to make England’s Euro 2024 squad.

James had played for Chelsea during their summer tour of the US, but has yet to feature for the London club in the Premier League so far this season.

The 24-year-old defender has endured a difficult period with hamstring injuries throughout his career, which has undoubtedly prevented him from reaching the full potential of his prodigious talent thus far.

James was confident his luck would change in the summer of 2023 when he posted a photo of himself in X with the caption: “New era loading… ps we’re just getting started.”

James has started 118 games in all competitions during his career with the Blues, 81 of them in the Premier League.

His troubles in the professional ranks began after an ankle injury while playing for England at the Toulon Tournament in June 2019.

James (top left) had to watch for most of last season, playing just 413 minutes in the Premier League.

James has struggled for playing time due to injuries since becoming Chelsea captain.

James has since been sidelined with knee, thigh and ankle problems, with his hamstrings an area of ​​particular concern.

As well as missing Euro 2024, he was also absent from the squad for the 2022 World Cup after suffering a knee injury during preparation for the match.

Bad Taste has impressed in the absence of the club captain, although Chelsea will be short of right-backs when they face West Ham.

Gusto will not be available for the short trip across the capital after being ruled out of the win at Bournemouth last week, following a thigh injury against Crystal Palace earlier this month.