The numbers behind James' injury woes

An academy graduate who became an England international, Champions League winner, and then club captain all by the age of 23, Reece James should be the first name on Chelsea's team sheet.

But after featuring in each of the Blues' last four games - including two full 90 minutes - James has suffered yet another hamstring injury.

Although boss Enzo Maresca was keen to stress it would only be a short-term absence, it is understandable for fans to fear for a player who has missed far more football than he has played over the last two years.

That fear is only exacerbated by a statement released by the defender himself through social media on Thursday evening saying there is “another challenge ahead” but “against all odds” he will “eventually come out on top”.

Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Chelsea have played 87 Premier League matches with James only featuring in 30 of those, making just 22 starts.

It is a situation that was feared but hardly one that was unexpected. Of course, he may return shortly and go on to feature regularly this season but the fear of a further setback only increases with each spell on the sidelines.

For a player who relies on an explosive burst of pace and powerful ball striking, the repeated nature of James' hamstring problems illicits concern as to whether he will get back to the player who was described as the best right-back in the world by England and Manchester City stalwart Kyle Walker.

Given Malo Gusto's promise in the inverted right-back role, it may also mean Chelsea grow in Maresca's image without James. Rhythm for a team, especially under a new manager, is so important and a player who cannot stay fit is simply not a sustainable option for a side with aspirations to challenge for Premier League titles in coming years.

The player James was, and can be again, and what he represents for Chelsea means he must start when fit. It also means he is more than worth having as a part of the squad, even if he is only available for a certain percentage of matches.

However, if his appearances continue at the rate quoted in this article, remaining as captain will also become unsustainable. Especially since Maresca has also called for "more" leadership from him in recent months.

With such change and upheaval at Chelsea in recent times, even at 24 years old, James represents rare continuity at Stamford Bridge. However, until he gets a long run of matches under his belt, he must be hoping he does not get left behind.