Chelsea news: Medical expert issues verdict on Reece James starting v Lille after ‘big clue’
Reece James could potentially play for Chelsea against Lille on Wednesday night (16 March) – but he will likely be given more time to recover.
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 missed Chelsea’s last two matches with a hamstring issue.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that right-back’s problem is in the opposite leg to the thigh injury that has badgered him throughout 2021-22.
Tuchel told club media today (15 March) that James has returned to training and it would be a “very late call” on whether to include him against Lille.
Dinnery predicts that the England international is not likely to be called upon for the Champions League clash.
“It isn’t related to his previous hamstring issue, which is certainly a good sign,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Interestingly, he hasn’t been ruled out of the game against Lille. This is a fairly big clue that it’s a relatively minor issue.
“Personally, I don’t think there will be any risks taken with him given his recent injury problems.
“Thomas Tuchel does have a relatively fit and healthy squad and options on that right-hand side to choose from.
“Reece James does bring a lot to that team, defensively and offensively. But it makes sense to err on the side of caution.
“I wouldn’t expect him to be in the starting XI. Beyond that, in an ideal scenario, we’re looking at after the international break.
“That of course does depend on whether he is involved with the England squad.”
James has scored six times and supplied seven assists in 26 appearances in 2021-22.
His Chelsea side go into the clash at Lille with a 2-0 aggregate lead.
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