Reece James injury: ‘Legal action mooted before Chelsea exit’
Chelsea captain Reece James should sue if he has been using private medical staff after another injury set back, according to Troy Deeney.
The English right-back has played just 662 minutes of Premier League football this season. After a run of four consecutive games, he suffered another hamstring injury following the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on 10 November.
Former Watford striker Deeney believes that James must refuse to use Chelsea’s medical department any longer, or take legal action if he has already turned to outside help.
Deeney says that he needs to “make a drastic change” and he should be “suing them.”.
Speaking on talkSPORT: “If I had eight hamstring injuries in four years and I was only ever using Chelsea’s physios and doctors, I’d be going to them, ‘Right, let’s have a chat, I am never using you lot again’,”
He added: “If he’s been using his own people, then they would be getting sacked and I’d be suing them,
“You can’t keep having the same injury. Something along the line is breaking down.”
Deeney suggested Chelsea will need to cut their losses and sell the star defender, branding it a “shame” that James has suffered a similar injury that has already taken a toll on his career. He doesn’t think that fans are ever going to see “the true potential of what Reece James is”.
Chelsea well covered with Malo Gusto
Football Insider opinion
The Blues have found success in his absence, notably in their recent 5-1 thrashing of Southampton. The team’s off-the-ball work has been praised against Aston Villa in a 3-0 win.
This marks their club captain’s ninth hamstring issue since December 2020. However, Chelsea have prepared for James’ injury setbacks, with Malo Gusto stepping in.
The West Londoners have one of the youngest squads in the league, but they’re able to rotate effectively.
This could be a reason why the team hasn’t faced as many injury setbacks to players as last season.
It’s not unfair to suggest that James is now considered injury-prone, and he is not alone since Wesley Fofana has also suffered another injury setback of his own.
But the positive sign is that Enzo Maresca was able to make up to seven changes midweek (4 December) and still put out an outstanding performance.
Confidence is booming over in West London. Players like Enzo Fernandez didn’t start the season effectively. But with his recent form, The Athletic report that “he has showcased in recent weeks, he is too valuable not to include in Chelsea’s strongest side.”
Even though there may be some setbacks within the squad, and undoubtedly James’ quality would make them stronger, Maresca has found a way to push the Blues in the right direction.
In other news, Cole Palmer posted a dig at his mate Morgan Rogers after Chelsea beat Aston Villa.
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