Chelsea fullback Reece James has shared a picture of himself working hard in the gym as he works his way back to fitness.
The 23-year-old missed the last seven games of the season due to a hamstring injury and he is clearly putting in the effort to make sure he is in the best possible shape for next campaign. Fans on Twitter are impressed with James’ work ethic and some have even suggested that the defender has lost a bit of weight:
He looks so lean
— Will (@willreyner) June 15, 2023
Love to see it man
— Ali (@CFC_Ali10) June 15, 2023
No injuries by God’s grace Amen!🙏🏾💙
— 26! (@26D2ND_) June 15, 2023
SLIM JAMESSSS
— Dray (@CFCDray) June 15, 2023
he’s looking good 🤩🤩 next season is ourss
— airc (@cfc_airc) June 15, 2023
He can put in all that work
But after 3 games his hamstring would give out— ImposterSpize (@VelanQBAT) June 15, 2023
looks fit 🔥💪
— Haniel 💮 (@Natthaniel__) June 15, 2023
Bro said I’m not losing my place to Malo Gusto
— Rasen – #7DAYSTOGO (@RasenRendanX) June 15, 2023
James had a nightmare year with injuries
There is no escaping the fact that the England international had a very difficult season due to fitness problems. He suffered two separate knee injuries, in addition to hamstring issues, and he ended up playing just 24 matches in total.
Supporters have justifiable concerns about James’ ability to stay fit. Since the 2019/20 season, he has picked up no less than 14 separate injuries which means he has missed 76 matches over the past four years. The right-back will be hoping the extra gym work will help build up some extra resilience.
James will have competition for his place next season
Malo Gusto was signed from Lyon for £30.75m during the January transfer window and, while he was loaned back to the Ligue One side for the remainder of the campaign, he will be available for selection ahead of the new season.
The Frenchman is still relatively inexperienced at 20 years of age but there is no doubt that he possesses the ability to give James a run for his money for starts on the right-hand side of defence.
Given James’ injury history, manager Mauricio Pochettino will be glad to have someone like Gusto at his disposal, and there will certainly be healthy competition for places in the backline when the new campaign kicks off in August.
