Reece James faces another month out after a setback to his return from a knee injury — and the Chelsea defender has opened up about the mental strain caused by the toughest year of his career.
Scans on Wednesday confirmed James had picked up a fresh problem against Bournemouth on Tuesday, which will keep him out until the end of January.
James was returning to action after 11 weeks out, having suffered right knee ligament damage against AC Milan in October — a huge blow for the 23-year-old and England as it ruled him out of the World Cup.
He was due to play around an hour against Bournemouth but had to come off on 53 minutes at Stamford Bridge after signalling to the bench that he was in pain. Chelsea manager Graham Potter confirmed the cause for concern was in the same area as before.
Following confirmation of the timescale for his latest recovery, James vowed: ‘Three-four weeks, I’ll be back.’
But his personal trainer James Ralph appeared to hint at issues with Chelsea’s handling of the defender when he posted on social media: ‘I need to bite my tongue despite having a LOT to say.’ The message was followed by a string of emojis alluding to frustration and disappointment.
The target of the post, which was later deleted, was not obvious, though it was widely interpreted as being in reference to James’s situation.
As for James, he posted on social media: ‘2022 has been the toughest year to date. Just want to thank you for all the support. None of you go unnoticed.
‘It’s naturally affected me mentally. I’m just trying to deal with the cards I’ve been dealt. I hope your end of year is filled with peace, joy and happiness.
‘It hurts more than you could ever imagine. I guess it’s another learning lesson, what the lesson is I’m yet to know. It’s always hard to see the bigger picture when we live day to day.
‘I’m sure I’ll look back in the future and understand why this had to happen. Growth only takes place when you are challenged. In such a bad situation there’s many things to be thankful for, you guys being one.’
James is the second Chelsea defender in quick succession to suffer a setback on the comeback trail after centre back Wesley Fofana, the club’s £70million summer signing from Leicester.
Fofana was hoping to return against Bournemouth after suffering his own knee injury in October. But the Frenchman was hurt again in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Brentford last week, adding a further four weeks to his period out of action.
Chelsea’s medical department has been among those subject to major changes since the club’s change of ownership. Their two most senior doctors, medical director Dr Paco Biosca and head physio Thierry Laurent, left in September ahead of an overhaul of the department.
Although initial concerns about another lengthy lay-off for James have eased, Chelsea had already discussed bringing in another right back ahead of the transfer window opening next week.
Their form suffered without an adequate replacement for James last season and his absence derailed them again before the World Cup.
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
