Injury Update: Reece James is expected to be in the Chelsea squad to face Brentford later tonight
Speaking in a pre-match press conference as quoted by Football London, Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Reece James will be involved with the squad for the clash against Brentford tonight.
James, who has been exceptional for the Blues this season, has been suffering with injury problems of late and has missed a lot of the Blues action.
The English right-back was a doubt coming into the game against Brentford but the German manager has confirmed that James is fit and would be a part of the squad for the clash against Thomas Frank’s side.
James resumed training this week after recovering that has sidelined him in the recent weeks. Injuries have plagued the 22-year-old’s campaign as he has managed to rake in only 26 appearances across all competitions this season.
Speaking ahead of the clash against the Bees, Tuchel said that James has resumed training and is fully expected to be a part of tonight’s clash.
“Reece is in the squad “
A much needed addition?
Whenever fit, Reece James has been one of Tuchel’s most crucial players and the German will be pleased to have the English international back.
In the absence of the English right-back, Tuchel has been forced to put Cesar Azpilicueta in that position and the manager himself admitted that wing-back is not the Spaniard’s preferred position despite the club captain putting in a fine performance when called upon.
James has scored six goals and provided seven assists in the matches he has played and is a threat attacking wise as he is defensively. While it’s expected that James will not start tonight, having him back and in the scheme of things will hold Chelsea in good stead.
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Although a late title push might seem far-fetched for the Blues, they are still very much in contention for the FA Cup and Champions League and James will be key to how far Chelsea will go in either competition.
It has to be said that despite his importance, no risks must be taken with James. He is coming off the back of two major injuries and Tuchel will be hoping to have him fit and firing for the rest of the season.