Chelsea trio Reece James, Carney Chukwuemeka and Armando Broja are all doubts for this weekend’s game against Arsenal, according to the Evening Standard.
James was expected to make his comeback on Saturday after spending just over 2 months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. However, it appears he has picked up another issue in training which means he may miss the London derby. Chukwuemeka and Broja have also had minor setbacks and may not be in the squad to face the Gunners either. James’ absence, in particular, has been met by widespread concern among fans on X:
This is not good
— Uby (@topgent007) October 18, 2023
What is medical department doing, everyone is getting injured
— Hazard (@cfcmuar) October 18, 2023
Jeez what’s this again 🤦
— Eden Hazard Jnr (@CFC_Junty) October 18, 2023
Injury K!lling this team, smh 🤦🏾♂️
— JAMKAZ Snr🪔🍀 (@jamjam1905) October 18, 2023
Is there any point in telling us Reece is injured anymore? Just tell us when he’s fit… pic.twitter.com/6Kl3noM9SC
— CFCJohnnyB (@CFCJohnnyB) October 18, 2023
James needs to find a permanent solution to his problems…
He can’t continue like this.
He might retire early if his injuries continue like this— 𝚖𝚘𝚎 𝚎𝚍𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎✰ (@Moe4Dem) October 18, 2023
What is going on with James?
Oh my God— KYLOGRAHM (@Nanakabut) October 18, 2023
James’ injury record over the past 4 years is very concerning
Since the beginning of the 2019/20 season, when the fullback first made his breakthrough into the senior team, James has missed 472 days of action due to fitness problems.
One-third of his time as a first-team player has been spent on the treatment table, and he is still only 23 years of age.
Chelsea have a replacement
Malo Gusto is now back from his suspension, having missed the games against Brighton, Fulham and Burnley after his sending off versus Aston Villa.
The 20-year-old made his debut for France during the international break, playing the final 10 minutes against the Netherlands last week. Having been an unused substitute in the friendly versus Scotland, he should be fresh and raring to go for the Arsenal game.
Watch a recap of Gameweek 8 in the Premier League on Shots! TV here
