Chelsea star Reece James is on his way to full recovery and is back in training.
Speaking on his Instagram story (h/t Football.London), Chelsea defender Reece James gave a positive update regarding his recovery. He posted a message after a fitness session that read ‘Another session. One step closer’
The 22-year-old right-back is a great attacking threat for the Blues down the flanks. He hasn’t played a game for the West Londoners since late December and there has been a clear impact on Chelsea’s attacking threat in his absence.
James has scored five goals and provided six assists in 23 matches across all competitions this campaign, already making it his best season in terms of direct goal contributions. The English wing-back has developed further under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel and his darting runs in the attacking half have added much dynamism to the attack.
Cesar Azpilcueta has filled in well at right-back whenever needed but at 32, doesn’t provide the same kind of energy and pace going forward as compared to James. That being said, the Spaniard proved his mettle once again when the Stamford Bridge outfit faced Plymouth Argyle in their latest FA Cup fixture.
He scored the equaliser in the 41st minute to take the match into extra time where a strike from Marcos Alonso and a crucial penalty save from Kepa Arrizabalaga helped Chelsea progress to the next round. All things said, the Blues veteran has done splendidly so far.
The London-based club are also missing their first-choice left-back in Ben Chilwell, with Alonso filling in for him. Chilwell is potentially ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. Hence the possibility of James returning is good news.
Azpilicueta’s contract runs out at the end of the season and it seems quite plausible that the Spaniard will depart Stamford Bridge for greener pastures. James will however need some time to return to match fitness and that could yet take a while. Chelsea will be well served to bring in a reliable backup for both James and Chilwell in the summer transfer window.
Thomas Tuchel may have a new headache on his hands as Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are also nearing the end of their contract. If any of these players were to leave at the end of the transfer window it would be a big blow to the German manager. Considering this situation, a defensive reshuffle may just be on the cards sooner rather than later.
Whilst there is positive news surrounding James, the club could be at the risk of losing several key figures at the end of the campaign. The West Londoners may have to dip in the market in the summer to add reinforcements in several defensive areas and a talented young wing-back would also help Tuchel rotate his squad appropriately.
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