Medical expert: Reece James may have ‘psychological’ issues as Chelsea mystery analysed
Chelsea star Reece James may have gone off his psychological instincts when he ruled himself against West Ham last Sunday (24 April).
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, missed Chelsea’s 1-0 win over the Hammers after he told the medical team he did not feel ready to play.
As quoted by football.london on the eve of the clash, Thomas Tuchel claimed: “It is not a new injury or a recurrence of an old injury.”
The full-back has struggled with hamstring issues of late but scans revealed “absolutely nothing” in terms of soft tissue problems.
The Cobham academy graduate has since returned to training and is expected to be available for tonight’s (28 April) clash against Man United.
Dinnery claims that James was right to play it safe and rule himself out last time out.
“A lot of the discussions will be player-led,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“you can pass all the tests and they can say you are ready to go out and play, but that takes the human element out of it.
“If psychologically you don’t feel 100 per cent, you have to lead with that.
“It reduces the risk of him suffering a recurrence of another hamstring setback, which would be season over.
“We know in recent times he has spent several weeks on the sidelines. So, regardless of what the tests say, you have to trust the player.
“He isn’t one the shirk the battle but unfortunately this is just the way it is sometimes.“
James has registered six goals and seven assists in 32 apperances this term.
Chelsea are currently 3rd in the league table with five games to go.
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