Medical expert names Reece James Chelsea return date as real reason for overseas trip explained
Reece James flew out to Abu Dhabi with Chelsea despite not being fit in order to build his confidence ahead of his imminent return.
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 has been sidelined with a hamstring issue since the 1-1 draw with Brighton on 29 December last year.
But he travelled to the UAE for the victorious Club World Cup campaign despite having “no chance” of playing, as Zslot Low told club media last Wednesday (9 February).
The Daily Mail reported last Thursday (10 February) that James hopes to return against Crystal Palace on Saturday (19 February).
A change of scenery will have done the 22-year-old some good and he could return against Palace at the weekend, claims Dinnery.
“I think he’ll be in and around the matchday squad,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“His return to play timeline has already been extended due to illness.
“He travelled to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup despite not being ready. A bit of warm sun is always going to beat cold, wet, dreary Cobham.
“It’s good for your confidence to be among the group. It can be very lonesome to do all the rehab by yourself.
“But the fact that he was there and he thought he could benefit from that shows that he isn’t too far away.
“I would expect him in and around that matchday squad, potentially. If not this weekend, certainly the weekend after. It’s good he’s on that final stretch.”
James has registered five goals and six assists in 23 appearances this term.
He is one of four Chelsea stars currently sidelined.
In other news, Kevin Campbell suggests Chelsea star Armando Broja could force Arsenal move as he “fits into the model right now”.