Chelsea and Enzo Maresca could be without their captain Reece James for a little bit longer.
Reece James has yet to feature for Chelsea this season due to injury and suspension, continuing a troubling pattern from last term. In the 2023/24 season, the right-back managed only 10 Premier League appearances.
On a more positive note, Malo Gusto has returned to training, which provides Chelsea with a boost. Gusto missed the trip to Bournemouth over the weekend, leading to Axel Disasi starting in his place at right-back.
Reece James injury update
The good news for Chelsea fans and manager Enzo Maresca is that Reece James has not sustained a new injury. According to a report from *The Sun*, insiders at Stamford Bridge confirm that there has been no new setback for James. The issue is that his recovery is taking longer than anticipated, leaving Malo Gusto as the only natural right-back available to Maresca for now.
Despite competing for the same position, James and Gusto maintain a strong relationship. James had even reached out to Gusto before he officially joined Chelsea.
James’ injury issues are not new. According to Transfermarkt, he missed 24 games due to injuries and illness during the 2022/23 season, 20 games the season before, and a record 38 games last season. This recurring problem is concerning, and it remains uncertain how James will address his injury woes moving forward.
Fortunately, Chelsea can rely on Gusto, who performed admirably when stepping in for James last season. Gusto contributed nearly 10 assists in 37 appearances, providing an attacking threat from the right-back position.
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara is particularly high on Gusto and believes he would be a starter even if James were fit.
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