Enzo Maresca confirmed that Reece James has suffered another hamstring injury and will miss Chelsea's Premier League match against Leicester City on Saturday.
James made 11 appearances in all competitions last season before undergoing hamstring surgery aimed at helping him overcome his string of injuries.
He returned to action in Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last month and completed his first 90 minutes in 569 days against Newcastle United a week later.
Although his latest injury setback is his eighth hamstring problem in four years, he has also been dealing with thigh, ankle and muscle problems along the way.
Maresca played down concerns about a lengthy layoff but confirmed James will miss Saturday's match at the King Power Stadium.
“We only have one injured player and that is Reece, who unfortunately felt something small in training two days ago, and we don't want to take any risks this weekend,” he said.
“It's a hamstring and muscle problem. We'll see, we're not sure for how long [we want him fit for longer]. This is not happening yet, but we hope it will happen soon.
“He's out this weekend but hopefully he can be back soon. It's probably difficult that he can be available for the Conference League [next Thursday]but hopefully soon.”
Chelsea captain Reece James to miss next match after possible hamstring injury pic.twitter.com/0gBnjg6wOv
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 21, 2024
Since his debut season in 2019/20, James made the most appearances in the 2020/21 campaign, making 47 appearances in Chelsea's Champions League-winning season.
His best run of games in that time is six in May 2021, but last season he managed just 482 minutes in all competitions under Mauricio Pochettino.
However, James has recorded more minutes (6,138) in the Premier League since the 2020/21 season than any other player in the current Chelsea squad, although Enzo Fernandez (4,375) is second despite not joining the side until January 2023 club came.
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