Reece James Faces Late Fitness Test Before Leeds Clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided an update on the fitness of club captain Reece James ahead of the team’s pre-season friendly against Leeds United. The defender has been working his way back from an injury that limited his participation last season.

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Reece James has returned to partial team training with Chelsea during their pre-season camp. The captain has faced significant injury challenges, missing 33 games last season due to a recurring hamstring issue that required surgery.

Manager Enzo Maresca stated that James and fellow defender Wesley Fofana are currently being assessed by the club’s medical staff. The focus is on determining their readiness for full training and match action.

Regarding James’s potential involvement against Leeds, Maresca indicated a cautious approach. He said the decision is not his to make alone but depends on the medical team’s evaluation and a collective agreement on the player’s readiness.

Maresca emphasized the long-term perspective, stating the club will not take risks with James’s recovery. He mentioned there is no urgency to rush the defender back for a single friendly match. The update also noted that Fofana, who missed the entire previous season, and Benoît Badiashile are also working on individual fitness programs.

Summary

Chelsea captain Reece James is in a phase of rehabilitation, participating in some team training but not yet cleared for full contact. His history of a serious hamstring injury that required surgery has prompted a carefully managed return.

The club’s medical staff is actively evaluating his condition alongside that of defender Wesley Fofana. Manager Enzo Maresca has deferred to their expertise regarding when James can return to competitive play.

Maresca confirmed that James will not be risked in the upcoming friendly against Leeds United. The priority is ensuring both players are fully recovered before reintegrating them into the squad.

Other players, including Benoît Badiashile, are also following individual training regimens as the team prepares for the new season under the new manager.

FAQs

When will Reece James return to play?
There is no confirmed date for his return to match action. He is undergoing medical assessment after returning to partial training, and the club is taking a long-term, cautious approach to his recovery.

Why is Reece James not playing against Leeds?
Manager Enzo Maresca stated the decision is based on the medical team’s assessment. The club will not risk his recovery for a pre-season friendly, prioritizing his full fitness for the competitive season.

Are any other Chelsea players injured?
Yes, defender Wesley Fofana, who missed last season, is also being assessed alongside James. Benoît Badiashile is also following an individual training program as he works on his fitness.