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Reece James will be sidelined for at least a month, and is unlikely to be back until the New Year, talk SPORT understands. It follows a scan this week to confirm the severity of a new hamstring injury. Chelsea don’t want to put pressure on James with a specific return timeline. The club are currently working with specialists and doing all they can support their captain's recovery. The news comes as a huge blow to James’ hopes of finding a level of continuity following a two-year spell ravaged by injuries. The defender appeared to have overcome his injury woes when he returned to the starting line up for Chelsea’s clash at Anfield on October 20. But James lasted just four games before suffering his latest setback. Chelsea’s ongoing support stretches beyond James’ physical difficulties with the club also aware of the mental battle he faces as he comes to terms with his latest injury. The west London club are keen to ensure James is given the opportunity to return to full fitness without the added pressure of a timeframe in hope of bringing his injury nightmare to an end. The England international was said to be devastated by his latest setback considering he has played just 654 minutes of football since being handed the Chelsea captaincy 15 months ago. The 24-year-old has openly shared his feelings on social media in a bid to keep fans informed of his recoveries. Following hamstring surgery almost 12 months ago, James wrote on Instagram: “Since this injury I’ve had a good amount of support but significantly more hate and negativity. Believe me I don’t wanna be injured, I’m happiest when I’m playing football. “Thanks to the understanding people that support me despite the highs or the lows, it goes a long way. ” And this past week, James took to social media again to thank fans for their patience and understanding of his current plight. He said: “This message is to the people that understand and have respect for what I’m going through… I appreciate you so much, your support and kind words go further than you could ever imagine. “And just to touch on me… I’m doing OK, been better and also been worse. Another challenge ahead accepted. Eventually I’ll come out on top. Against all odds. “Lastly, I’d like to touch on the festive period coming, these times are tough for everyone! I wish you all a happy and peaceful festive season. ” James will know his succession of injuries could have major long-term ramifications for him at Chelsea and at international level with England unless he is able to overcome his struggles. Former Watford striker Troy Deeney recently warned James that he could see his career following the same path as Jack Wilshere who retired aged 30, following a spate of injury problems. Ankle injury - June 2019 - games missed: 21 Ankle injury - December 2019 - games missed: 2 Unspecified knock - January 2020 - games missed: 3 Ankle injury - December 2020 - games missed: 4 Hamstring strain - December 2020 - games missed: 5 Hamstring injury - December 2021 - games missed: 13 Unspecified muscle injury: - March 2022 - games missed: 5 Hamstring injury - April 2022 - games missed: 2 Knee injury - October 2022 - games missed: 16 Hamstring injury - March 2023 - games missed: 1 Hamstring injury - April 2023 - games missed: 7 Hamstring injury - August 2023 - games missed: 9 Hamstring surgery - December 2023 - games missed: 29 Hamstring injury - August 2024 - games missed: 6 Hamstring injury - November 2024 - set to miss 9 games “I think he’s in last chance saloon as to whether he will be at Chelsea, ” Deeney told talk SPORT. “Where he goes after that is a massive struggle because he might end up, to a lesser scale, in the Jack Wilshere mould where he has to go to a Bournemouth on a pay-as-you-play type deal. “Within two years he could be out of the game and it’s a shame because he’s clearly talented and a very good player but you have to be fit and available or there’s no point having all that talent. ” James is set to miss Chelsea's next nine games through injury including Sunday's visit of Aston Villa and next weekend's trip to Tottenham. © 2024 talk SPORT Limited
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