Reece James Injury: Mauricio Pochettino unsure of return date for Chelsea skipper

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino delivered a rather cryptic update about injured captain Reece James. The Argentine mentioned he is still unsure when James will return to action for the Blues.

The defender has been out of action for his team since mid-December and should ideally return before the season ends.

Pochettino downbeat about Reece James injury

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Brentford clash, Pochettino did not sound too upbeat.

🔵 Pochettino on Reece James: "I think Reece will be involved before the end of the season".

"This is my hope, but for me, the priority is about him, to help him find his best again to feel solid and strong".

"I cannot say the exact date of when his return is possible". pic.twitter.com/aPHCj2J0KN

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 2, 2024

“We don’t know. I cannot say the date of when it is possible.”

However, the manager outlined his plan for welcoming Reece James back to the first team.

“Our target is for him to be fit, feeling happy and well. Then we will see if there is a possibility of going to the Euros or not, or whether he is ready for the next season or he can play before we finish the season here.

“The target is for him to feel really strong and start to play when he can deal again with the competition.”

The full-back has been sidelined since his team’s 2-0 defeat against Everton at Goodison Park. James also had surgery on his hamstring to get past his injury woes once and for all. However, surgery meant the player needed longer for rehabilitation and recovery.

Reece James’ career background

James joined Chelsea as a six-year-old and came through the ranks at their Cobham academy. A story for many to admire, he has since made 156 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 21 assists.

He has also achieved which many players merely dream of – winning the coveted UEFA Champions League with his boyhood club. Reece James has also won one UEFA Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Primarily preferred by most managers as a wing-back, James possesses great power and strength and is a confident runner with the ball. His awareness in both attack and defence makes him highly influential.

To add to that, James was named Chelsea captain aged just 23. However, a string of injuries have threatened to shorten James’s career. Only time will tell if he is ready to take that role up with consistency.

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