Following his absence from key fixtures for Chelsea since the commencement of the 2024/2025 club football season, captain Reece James according to an official statement remains unavailable for selection due to injury in the latest update.
James has faced a delay in his long-awaited return, with his hamstring injury not healing as expected after suffering a setback during the summer.
His ongoing injury struggles have limited him to just 10 Premier League appearances during the 2023/2024 season and with the other right back Malo Gusto just back in training for the Blues, Enzo Maresca has been left with a vacuum in that position going into the UEFA Conference League and also Premier League fixture this week.
Gusto’s absence was notable during the weekend match against Bournemouth, where Axel Disasi stepped in at right-back.
According to reports from The Sun, there has been no new injury or major setback for James, but his recovery has been slower than Chelsea anticipated.
As a result, Gusto remains the only natural right-back available for manager Enzo Maresca at the moment. Despite competing for the same position, James and Gusto reportedly have a strong relationship, with James reaching out to Gusto even before his official signing with Chelsea.
Romeo Lavia injury update
According to the official reports from Chelsea, Romeo Lavia has returned to training with the first team following his initial injury scare in the UEFA Conference League playoffs against Severette. It however remains to be seen as to whether he would be available for selection in the coming games for the Blues this week.
Lavia featured in Chelsea’s opening two matches of the season but has been sidelined with a hamstring injury ever since.
The midfielder endured a challenging first season at Stamford Bridge after his £52m transfer from Southampton but is now nearing full fitness.
Ahead of the Bournemouth game, Maresca commented: “Romeo Lavia is very close, and we’re hopeful he’ll be available for the next match.”
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