When the time comes to compile a list of footballers whose careers have been ruined by injuries, Reece James’ name will be near the top. It seems as though he’s been cursed. The Chelsea defender just can’t put together a full season or string a few months of consistent play. No sooner had he returned to action in early October than he’s sidelined again. Once more, the issue is his hamstring—a recurring problem that won’t leave him alone, preventing him from finding any stability. According to English media, this marks the ninth time in five years that James has been forced out due to a hamstring injury.Former Chelsea forward pushing his body to the limitsFor a year and a half (from April 2023 to October 2024), he was unable to complete a full 90 minutes in the Premier League because of this issue. He even underwent surgery last December to address the problem, but it hasn’t made a difference.”We only have one injured player, and that’s Reece James, unfortunately. He felt something, and we don’t want to take any risks this weekend. He’s the only one unavailable for the match. It’s his hamstring—a muscle issue. We hope it won’t be a long absence” said Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Leicester in the 12th round.Amorim looking at Stamford Bridge for future recruits?Five days later, Chelsea will face Heidenheim in the Conference League, and according to Maresca, the team captain will not be ready for that match either.”I know it’s not easy for him. But if it’s hard for him every time he gets injured, it’s even harder for me. He needs to accept it and try to avoid injuries as much as he can. But sometimes things happen even when you try to prevent them. We’re playing every three days, so it will likely be tough for him to return for the Conference League game. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon,” Maresca concluded.##NAJAVA_MECA_8511207##
