England have confirmed that Chelsea fullback Reece James has withdrawn from the squad ahead of the friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast this week.
Manager Thomas Tuchel revealed at the weekend that the Blues had requested that the 22-year-old remain at Cobham to work on his fitness, and fans on Twitter are happy that he won’t be risked on international duty:
Best decision for him & Chelsea
— David Ekene ⚽ (@Dblack_cfc) March 21, 2022
Good news
— Georgeie ⭐⭐ (@Georgeie14) March 21, 2022
Good, means we can keep him fit
— Abdalla (@abdalla_2811) March 21, 2022
That’s wise
— Fila Nkoaa (@ORiginalRank) March 21, 2022
GREAT decision.👍
— Lanre Fasuan (@lanrefasuan) March 21, 2022
The lad need to fully recover
— Muzo Power (@GilbertMMusond1) March 21, 2022
Sensible.
— biryani_katu (@biryani_katu) March 21, 2022
Great news! Need him fit for Real
— TuchelibanUno 🇸🇳🇺🇸 (@KarimHaidaraUno) March 21, 2022
James should be back for Chelsea’s next match against Brentford at the start of next month, which will be a massive boost for Tuchel’s side heading into the final two months of the season.
The England international has been a key creative outlet for the London club this season, scoring six goals and providing seven assists in 26 appearances.
However, a succession of hamstring problems have limited his participation in recent months, and it is no coincidence that the Blues’ form has dipped when he has been absent from the team.
