Ex-Chelsea star William Gallas has raised doubts about Reece James’ position as club captain.

Speaking to Gambling Zone, Gallas said that the fullback’s injury problems make it difficult for him to take on a leadership role in the Blues’ squad:

“I think this will be a crucial season for Reece James. How old is he now? 24? Time flies. James has to be careful. He has to be careful because he’s had too many injuries over the last few years and there are doubts about his ability to play 38 games in a season. He will need to demonstrate that he is capable of doing that, but I think it will be really difficult for him.”

“There are so many doubts about his availability and that is why Chelsea need to sign someone that is a natural leader. The club are going to need a handful of players that can lead the squad, but I can’t see a leader in the group. Who is the leader at Chelsea? I don’t see any. When the team is in trouble, when they are 1-0 down, nobody is shouting. Chelsea need some players who can shout and boost the players.”

James’ injury record has been poor

Since making his first-team debut for Chelsea in 2019, the fullback has picked up EIGHTEEN separate injuries, spending a total of 614 days on the treatment table.

With those stats, you can’t say that he has simply been unlucky with fitness problems. He is injury-prone, and manager Enzo Maresca will need to take that into account in terms of  James’ role in the dressing room going forward.

Maresca wants a leadership group in the Chelsea squad

When asked directly whether James would keep the armband last week, the Chelsea head coach said that the right-back would be “one of” the captains in the first team.

That does suggest Maresca knows he needs to have a group of players who can fill in and provide leadership if and when James is sidelined.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here