Reece James' harsh Chelsea truth explained as Enzo Maresca confirms latest injury setback

"We have just one injured player," Enzo Maresca said in Thursday's pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea's trip to Leicester City.

Oh, well that will be Romeo Lavia then, I assumed. Malo Gusto, perhaps. "That is Reece [James]," Maresca then continued.

I don't think it actually happened, but it almost felt like a collective sigh from the journalists as Maresca confirmed the bad news. Can someone please cut this man a break?

"He felt something and we don't want to take any risks for the weekend," the Chelsea head coach continued. That is the good news but we have heard that before and it has then turned out to be more serious than initially anticipated.

Let's pray that is not the case this time. However, the question does need to be asked: does James have a future at Chelsea? It is an awful question to have to ask; one you do not really want to ask, but unfortunately, one that must be.

At 24-years-old, there is still plenty of time to turn what has been a nightmare period around. While supporters have expressed their frustration and feelings towards James on social media over the last 24 hours - let me assure you: nobody will be feeling worse about this latest setback than the man himself.

The man who has missed 74 matches in total since the start of the 2022/23 season. The man who had surgery on his hamstring in December of last year, only to be plagued by another two injuries to the same area in the opening months of the season.

James has a contract with Chelsea until June 2028, so there is no danger of the captain leaving anytime soon. Chelsea, however, would be best suited considering their options up until the summer. James' injury record proves they cannot rely on him, no matter how talented and brilliant he is.

Gusto's performances since signing for Chelsea have meant James' absence has not really been felt in that sense. But when you are without James for the majority of the season, year in and year out, then who plays back-up to Gusto?

The truth is, and it pains me to write this, James looks like he is very much on the road to being one of those 'what could have been players'. The type of players that have incredible talent but consistent injuries during their career means they were never able to fulfil their sky-high potential.

I hope, I really do, that James proves me wrong.

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