Chelsea’s Reece James has been plagued by injury troubles in recent seasons, and journalist Paul Brown has delved into his latest setback while discussing it with GIVEMESPORT. Despite being recognized as one of the top wing-backs globally, maintaining fitness remains a major challenge.

Chelsea defender Reece James has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons

Reece James and Chelsea

Despite his young age of 23, James has been absent for a total of 83 games due to injuries, as reported by Transfermarkt. The worrisome trend for Chelsea is that James is now dealing with yet another hamstring issue, the same muscle that has sidelined him on five prior occasions. Throughout his time at the West London club, the former Wigan Athletic loanee has only managed 148 appearances, underscoring the significant amount of time he’s spent on the sidelines in a Chelsea jersey. The most recent setback has forced him to be out of action for a few weeks, as confirmed by Mauricio Pochettino. While it might be a minor injury, the frequency of James’ injuries is becoming a cause for concern.

James has been absent a lot since he joined Chelsea from Wigan

Fortunately, Mauricio Pochettino has the option of Malo Gusto, who joined the Chelsea first-team this summer and can step in for James during his recovery period. With James sidelined Gusto can fill the void at Stamford Bridge. Last season, James’ absence led to Ruben Loftus-Cheek adapting to an unfamiliar wing-back role. James was entrusted with the captain’s armband at the start of the current campaign, and Pochettino is surely hoping that the influential right-back can contribute more on the pitch than in the medical room. Journalist Brown has offered his perspective on James’ situation, noting that the recurring injuries are worrisome for Chelsea.

Mauricio Pochettino has the option of Malo Gusto

Brown emphasized that when James and Ben Chilwell are both fit, Chelsea possesses one of the most formidable wing-back duos in world football. He conveyed to GIVEMESPORT, “It is a concern, yeah. It’s a massive blow. James is a huge part of the Chelsea team. When he and Ben Chilwell are both fit, they are a completely different outfit. I think the two of them together are a pretty dynamic and dynamite partnership when it comes to wing-backs.”

James can count on his colleague Chilwell

What Lies Ahead for Chelsea?

Thankfully, the inclusion of Gusto means Chelsea won’t be forced into immediate transfer market action to replace James. Nevertheless, the club could remain active in other areas. According to journalist Dean Jones, there is an expectation that Chelsea might secure another exciting signing before the transfer window closes in September.

Chelsea can action before the transfer market close

Jones has listed potential young talents like Brennan Johnson, Mohammed Kudus, Rayan Cherki, and Bradley Barcola as prospects who could potentially join Stamford Bridge. Additionally, Italian journalist Rudy Galetti shared with GIVEMESPORT that Chelsea holds an interest in acquiring Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. This suggests a busy end to the transfer window could be in store for the Premier League side.

Vlahovic is an ideal target?