Reece James' injury nightmare continues! Chelsea star expected to be out of action until at least February after confirmation of fresh hamstring blow

The full-back was handed a start against Everton last Sunday for the first time since November 25, but could only last 26 minutes after picking up a fresh hamstring injury. According to Fabrizio Romano, James might not be back on the pitch until March, with a February return date the most optimistic outlook for the 24-year-old. Given his recurrent hamstring problems, there is a realisation that the recovery process might be complex.

James has made just eight Premier League appearances so far this season as he had to sit out a chunk of games with another hamstring issue. He also missed England's run to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar due to damage to his knee ligaments. James has struggled to build up any rhythm due to various injuries, with his last stretch of five consecutive full games in the Premier League occurring between the end of the 2021-22 campaign and the start of the following season.

The London club put out a statement confirming the new injury, which read: "Captain Reece James has undergone medical assessment following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton. The defender was withdrawn during the first half at Goodison Park, and scan results have confirmed a hamstring injury. Reece will now begin his rehabilitation programme at Cobham."

James has missed 35 matches due to hamstring injuries since the 2021-22 campaign. Additionally, he has missed 28 matches due to muscle issues, illness, and two knee injuries, with the latter sidelining him for 18 matches in the 2022-23 season.

Mauricio Pochettino's injury list keeps on growing, with Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Trevor Chalobah, Malo Gusto and Carney Chukwuemeka already on the treatment table. This forced the manager to ask for more new players in the January transfer window, despite the club already having spent £435 million ($545m) in the summer on signings.

Chelsea are looking forward to a busy two-week stretch as they will play five matches until the New Year and James' injury further adds to their trouble after their slide to 12th in the Premier League table. They will next face Sheffield United on December 16, before taking on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.