Mauricio Pochettino provides vague update on Chelsea star Reece James ahead of Tottenham clash.
Chelsea right-back Reece James was bombarded with injury questions during his interaction with the media as Chelsea toured the USA for pre-season games. The 23-year-old was also left out of the squad when they travelled to the USA because of illness.
However, the England International has now joined Chelsea’s squad and could feature in their next pre-season game against Newcastle United on Thursday.
James will be hoping to start next season injury-free after the right-back endured an injury-ravaged campaign last term that made him miss many matches, as he made only 16 appearances in the Premier League.
James also suffered an injury scare during training in Cobham and underwent a knee scan before he picked up an illness but is now fully fit and also participated in Chelsea’s training session ahead of their pre-season game against Newcastle United on Thursday.
The 23-year-old was asked many injury-related questions during the pre-conference ahead of the Newcastle game, (h/t Football.London), and he said:
“It has been difficult. I had a lot of injuries, and I haven’t played in three months. I am finding my feet again, and we have started pre-season well. I’m back into full training; I’m over the illness. I had to stay behind at Cobham, but now I’m back here training with the team, and I feel good.”
“I can’t look into the future. I don’t know if my injuries are over, but I am trying my best to stay on the field. I’m working hard with the management staff and the physios to try to make sure I’m ready for every game.”
James, who is only 23 years old, is recognised as one of Europe’s top right-backs, which suggests a lot about the work that he puts in throughout every game. However, he had a very disappointing campaign last year and was unable to make a significant impact as Chelsea endured an underwhelming season and finished 12th in the Premier League standings.
Injuries can be partly blamed for that. He has everything in his locker to become the world’s best full-back in the coming years and for that, he will need to start staying fit more consistently. It is good to know he is already in full training because that means he should be fit to take on Liverpool in our Premier League opener next month.
Malo Gusto’s addition should provide him with an added impetus to continue his good work down the right flank. It will be best for the Blues not to risk James during pre-season. It’s also an exciting time for the English superstar, as many believe he can be Mauricio Pochettino’s first Chelsea captain during his stint at Stamford Bridge.
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