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WHAT HAPPENED?
Maresca has revealed that James will miss this weekend’s clash against Leicester after sustaining a hamstring issue in training. As a result, the ex-Foxes boss says that he is unwilling to risk the right-back, who has only made four appearances this season. He was initially suspended for the first three fixtures of the campaign but was also battling a hamstring injury, and only returned in October. Last season, he made just 11 appearances as he again struggled with hamstring issues, and was forced to undergo surgery.
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GettyWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
@EiiScanty said: “It’s sad. Great talent gone.”
@Iamhbozz added: “He needs to retire.”
@LullabyWeb3 said: “At this point, he should just retire, he won’t be able to walk.”
@TheMahleek added: “Nah, he’s so done. This is sad.”
@WillReyner joked: “He’ll be back in April 2025 then. Seen this a million times.”
@Half_cast01 concluded: “Bro might be made of glass.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Since the 2019-20 season, James has spent a remarkable amount of time in the treatment room, missing 129 games across the last six seasons. Now, that tally is set to reach at least 130.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
After facing Leicester, Chelsea play Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League and then meet Aston Villa in the Premier League. It remains to be seen if James will be able to play in either of those fixtures.
