By Abigail Philip David
Chelsea captain Reece James has been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City due to a hamstring issue, marking another injury setback for the England right-back.
James had only recently returned to action in October after missing the start of the season, but Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Thursday that the 24-year-old will not feature at the King Power Stadium this weekend.
“Reece felt something minor, and we don’t want to take any risks,” Maresca told reporters. “Hopefully, it’s nothing long-term, but he has to sit out for now. It’s a hamstring problem, a muscle issue.”
James has faced persistent fitness challenges over the last two seasons, and while Maresca remains optimistic about his future, he acknowledged the ongoing struggles. “For sure, he will overcome this, but at the moment, it’s not happening,” Maresca said.
Chelsea’s injury concerns extend beyond James, with Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill recently withdrawing from England duty due to fitness issues. Maresca also provided updates on other players, including Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, and Jadon Sancho, who remain doubtful. “Some are improving, but we’ll assess them closer to the game,” he said.
This weekend’s match holds personal significance for Maresca as he returns to Leicester for the first time since leading the Foxes to promotion from the Championship last season. Reflecting on his time at the club, Maresca expressed gratitude, saying, “It was a fantastic season with great people. We built something special, and I’ll always be thankful for that experience.”
Chelsea will look to secure a vital win amid a challenging season as they cope with their captain’s absence and a growing list of fitness concerns.
