The Stamford Bridge outfit do not want to rush the 24-year-old back after the latest fitness issue to hit the player. He was limited to just 11 appearances in all competitions last season as he was kept out with a hamstring injury and later needed an operation. The year prior, his game time was also heavily restricted due to knee and hamstring injuries.
WHAT JAMES POSTED
Chelsea fans will take some positivity from the club captain's Instagram post, however, as he shared an image of himself training, writing: "Good to be back on the grass."
instagram/reece
Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES?
Even if James were fit, he would not have been eligible for his team's first Premier League game of the season against Manchester City as he was shown a red card in their final game of last season. He will, however, hope to be back in contention for Enzo Maresca's team soon.