Medical expert shares ‘worrying’ Reece James reveal after Chelsea announcement
Chelsea star Reece James was right to withdraw from England duty as he has played a “worryingly low” number of minutes in 2022.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
James, 22, has endured a litany of muscle problems in the second half of the season and is currently regaining fitness after a recent hamstring setback.
The right-back is not currently in first-team training but was named in the England squad to face Switzerland and the Ivory Coast in the coming days.
But Chelsea announced on Monday (21 March) that the Cobham graduate has withdrawn from proceedings with the national team.
Dinnery explained that James has played just 70 league minutes this year and that it was wise for him to pull out of the squad.
“With a couple of friendlies, there was no need to push him,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“It comes down to load and management of the player. They have decided he will benefit more from staying at his club.
“He has actually only played 70 Premier League minutes in 2022. That’s worryingly low. We know he’s had a couple of setbacks.
“Why take any unnecessary risks? He isn’t far away from a return.
“There was an outside chance that he could have made the squad against Middlesbrough.
“But Thomas Tuchel ultimately made the decision that he wasn’t quite 100 per cent.
“If you take any chances at this stage, it can put a player out for the rest of the season, so it’s wise to take a step back.”
Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell and Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters have been called up to the England squad as replacement right-backs.
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also pulled out, as did Roma striker Tammy Abraham and Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
In other news, pundit suggest Chelsea hopes of signing Declan Rice “blown out the window” amid “incredible” claim.