Reports coming out of Stamford Bridge suggest that right-back Reece James could be out of action for up to eight weeks due to the hamstring injury he picked up against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The England international was taken off injured in the 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Wednesday night. James underwent initial scans on Thursday which wilted up the suspected tear. Further examinations were held on Friday that have confirmed the severity of the injury.
Reece James has been in the form of his life for Chelsea this season. He has made 23 appearances in all competitions for the European champions this term. In this time he has recorded an impressive five goals and six assists this season from his right wing-back position. (stats via Transfermarkt)
Will Reece James require to undergo surgery for the hamstring issue?
Daily Mail have reported that Reece James does not require to undergo surgery on the hamstring issue. But the right-back is set to be on the sidelines for two months due to the harshness of the issue.
If James required surgery to repair his hamstring then he would have likely missed the rest of the campaign just like his full-back partner Ben Chilwell who is set to undergo surgery for his ACL injury.
As things stand James should be back around early March, perhaps after the March international break. He should be back in time for the second leg of our Round-of-16 Champions League matchup against Lille on 16th March.
Who could play as the right wing-back in Reece James’ absence?
Thomas Tuchel will likely use Cesar Azpilicueta in the right wing-back position in Reece James’ absence. While Tuchel has also used Callum Hudson-Odoi in the wing-back position previously and may recall the winger to fill the position again. In the last few games, Christian Pulisic has also played in the right wing-back position. The American winger may be asked to drop back and fill in the wing-back position in James’ absence.
Chelsea are also set to be without left wing-back Ben Chilwell for the rest of the season. Chilwell is set to undergo surgery for his ACL issue. With the January transfer window now open Chelsea are scouting Everton left-back Lucas Digne. Now with James also picking up an injury, Thomas Tuchel has blocked loan offers for defender Malang Sarr from AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli.
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