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Chelsea: Reece James’ injuries now considered a ‘problem’
Chelsea right-back Reece James‘ persistent injury issues are now a ‘problem’ for Graham Potter, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: James’ injury woes
James picked up a knee injury during a clash with AC Milan back in October, limping off the pitch, and he failed to recover from the issue in time to be selected by Gareth Southgate in his England World Cup squad.
That may have came as good news for Potter, as it gave the defender more to recover before the Premier League season restarted, however he suffered an immediate setback in his comeback game against AFC Bournemouth, and could now be out for another month.
The Latest: Jones’ comments
When Jones was asked by GIVEMESPORT whether the persistent injuries are now becoming a worry for the Blues, he said:
“Yeah, I think it’s a problem. Now, you could probably compare it to what Liverpool have just done.
“Luis Diaz suffering his injury led to Liverpool taking pretty immediate action and signing Cody Gakpo, and now Chelsea need to find their own version of this because the Reece James injury means they need to now take action and find a new version of James, basically.”
The Verdict: Concern for Potter
While Jones claims that Chelsea will now be need to find a ‘new version’ of the Englishman, in truth this is a very difficult task, given just how good he has been since breaking into the first team.
Not only is the Cobham youth product described as ‘defensively sound’ by journalist Okon Nya, but he also has lots to offer the Blues on the front foot, averaging 0.28 assists per 90 over the past year, in the 95th percentile compared to his positional peers.
A new right-back is definitely required, with back-up option Cesar Azpilicueta not able to provide nearly as much going forward, picking up 0 assists in the same timeframe, but it may be difficult to find someone at the same level as James.
