Many Chelsea fans are saying the same thing after reports Reece James has new injury
Chelsea will be desperate for the group to avoid a lot less injuries in the upcoming season compared to last year, which was plagued by issues to so many key players.
The Blues couldn’t catch a break during the last campaign by missing the likes of Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku for lengthy spells. Chelsea captain Reece James very much fits into that category as well, playing just 11 times across all competitions last year.
James recently claimed his one aim next season is to stay fit, as quoted by Nizaar Kinsella on X. Unfortunately, reports in the media suggest that the 24-year-old defender has picked up a fresh problem before the new campaign has even begun.
According to The Athletic, James has a new hamstring injury after feeling some discomfort in pre-season training.
It is explained that the right-back’s hamstring problem is considered ‘minor’, but Chelsea are looking at 14 September against Bournemouth in the Premier League as a possible return date.
James is absent from the opening three league matches of the 2024/25 campaign due to suspension. He would have been available to play in two UEFA Conference League play-off matches in August, though.
Chelsea fans say Reece James has opened the door for Josh Acheampong
Many Chelsea supporters on social media have reacted to the James injury by claiming that it’s opened the door for their youngster Josh Acheampong.
Acheampong, who’s just 18, is a teenage right-back who travelled with Chelsea’s first-team squad during their tour of the United States this summer. He got some minutes in the friendly match against Wrexham, too.
Malo Gusto is the obvious replacement for James in the Blues XI and a very safe pair of hands.
But here are some Chelsea fans on X suggesting that Acheampong may need a first-team promotion in the upcoming season because James’ injury record can’t be trusted.
One fan said: “We may have to keep Acheampong. It’s not looking good for our captain.”
Another wrote: “Acheampong will definitely play a role this season. I don’t see Reece ever overcoming these injuries.”
A third user shared: “Acheampong. It’s your time this season.”
One supporter posted: “With Reece’s injury record, Acheampong might be getting serious game time.”
Another claimed: “Always knew Reece James wouldn’t play a lot. We need to keep Acheampong.”
Josh Acheampong may be needed
In fairness, Chelsea may need to have a third right-back in their squad during next season, especially when you consider the amount of games they could play domestically and in Europe.
It’s impossible to have complete faith in James’ fitness when you see how the last few years has gone for him, so promoting a youngster from the academy to support Gusto at full-back makes sense.
Journalist Miguel Delaney recently reported via X that Acheampong isn’t for sale amid interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Apparently, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca is a big fan of the English teenager after looking over him in pre-season.
If Chelsea feel Acheampong is good enough to step up next season, perhaps he could play a similar role to what Alfie Gilchrist did last year.
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