Chelsea have been hit with an injury scare as Reece James has been sent for a scan on his knee days before the club are set to embark on a pre-season tour of the US.
Under the stewardship of new boss Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues will play four friendlies stateside this summer, starting with a clash with Wrexham in North Carolina on Wednesday.
The Argentinian faces a stern test ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, after inheriting a side that slumped to 12th last season, despite a Todd Boehly spending big in his first full season as the club's owner.
Despite their disappointing performances on the pitch last season, the Blues squad contains a wealth of individual talent, not least academy graduate James.
According to a report from the Evening Standard, Chelsea are expecting positive news regarding the scan but were keen to get a medical evaluation on the 23-year-old's condition after he complained of feeling pain.
The news will no doubt come as a worry to Blues fans, particularly given James' struggles with injury last season.
The England star started the campaign well, starting eight of the club's first ten Premier League games in a tumultuous period that saw Thomas Tuchel replaced by Graham Potter.
However, a knee injury in October saw James forced onto the sidelines, as he missed out being part of Gareth Southgate's England squad for the World Cup.
The full-back returned to action in February, but his stint in the squad was short lived as further injuries restricted him to a total of just 14 Premier League starts for the entire season.
Meanwhile, Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku have not travelled with the squad for the pre-season tour.
Marseille are reportedly interested in bringing Aubameyang to Ligue 1, whilst Lukaku finds himself in the middle of a Serie A tug-of-war as Juventus and Inter Milan battle to secure his signature for the coming season.
Blues academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi is also not heading on the tour, with the 22-year-old also expected to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
Runeilnpu
0
when I said we should sell James and Chilwel du to constant injuries someone thot I was stupid. we have Hall Maatsen Gutso and Fofana who are cover up for Chilwel and Jsmes... sell this guys
oludotunkellington
0
patience is just a tactic to give gusta is chance
Vombeoru
0
Chelsea should just cash in on this boy,his becoming a liability than an asset, your injury has failed us a great deal every day injury
ChelseaGreatest
0
this guy called James is gradually becoming a glass that can easily be broken
RS11thebest11
1
Oh hell no not again... Whats happen reece😕
Pozeklnsyz
0
I beg you are prone to injury please better leave the team
akiamo
0
As much as we all love James, I am beginning to think that it may be a big mistake for the team to put all their hope and trust in James and Chiwell again this season. The frequency of their injuries is becoming alarming.
you're ✅right. those two are weak links...injury or one chaps. it would be good to sell them 👌.
akiamo
1
this player has become injury prone. let's sell him to rmd!
farhan17
0
apehal lak kau tetibe jadi kaca plak ni haduhh season dah nak start ni barua
comaelnpsu
0
James is failing to go under the knife to solve that knee problem.So until he does that your guess is as good as mine.He has been advised by doctors to go for knee operation but he keeps saying no.Hmmm if he doesn't take care he might not realize his full potential.So sad for him.We pray that he see reason to go for that knee operation.
Immaculate003
0
More reason I was angered Chelsea allowed Mount to leave. James who hardly play 10games in a row nor complete a season without lengthy spell on treatment table was offered a new contract worth £200k a week but could not give Mount £250k a week who has diligently served the club since his senior debut bar last season due to injury. If Chelsea continue to put faith in James and Chilwell this season, then it will be hard to get good results, they are not reliable in term of fitness. I am sure Pochettino will address this as quickly as possible
Keadkmuyz
0
As much as we all love James, I am beginning to think that it may be a big mistake for the team to put all their hope and trust in James and Chiwell again this season. The frequency of their injuries is becoming alarming.
mukumaphilip
0
I love reece James but I'm really tired of him being injured all the time ... what's the point of having good players if you can on use the for 10 games in a season ?? this was the same thing ngolo kante ..damn
dedaenost
0
Why does he get injuries all the time
blueLion01
2
Useless player
your entire generation will never produce someone as useful as James
Etilomi0147
1
Chelsea should sign Cancelo now!!
yipadeituz
0
Chelsea want to make miss out coming season I can see that😏
Feezy0991
0
He’s not injured
Limabcdlu
1
sell him fast and make money
Fusmopsuy
0
New Hazard
Lidclrtuyz
1
Useless player
binlmtuyz
0
spiritual problem one Chelsea right winger
JoeChelsealover
0
this guy injury done dey too much oh..I hope Gusto is available
Mewelorsuy
1
This guy should just take an early retirement
if he's your brother.... would you advise him to retire at his early age because of small challenges which is normal for a player??
vawaceknry
1
Quick recovery
Hukcdestu
0
injury will ruin this guy's career, injury all the time
It’s really sad to see such a talented player going through all these🤦🤦
zapbcdmops
2
injury prone
Andreopel
2
so Reece James is officially the Dembele of Barcelona [Crylaugh][Crylaugh] Or Should I say the Pogba Of Juve which one are you now sir [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][byebye]
wacckstz
1
spiritual problem
ducbcmnpz
1
This guy should just take an early retirement
my-blood-is-red
2
This one has totally turned himself into injury player[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Foyacdltyz
1
this guy should have also be sold
Josh0521
1
It had been confirmed that his knee is in good condition. You news is obsolete already.
Badhur
0
Get well soon champ Rivals but not enemies
Rumawa
0
this All football should try to give us full update, he went to check up and they found that nothing is happening to the guy infact he's traveling with the guys in next three days time for friendly match .the guy is okay
Making urself happy ? James is injury prone, believe it or not.
Pubabeipry
0
If things go well with the new guy let get ride of this Wimbleton star
jouirstuyz
0
he is injured and they are just painting the story
jouirstuyz
1
this is the high time Chelsea prepare life after James for his injury is not different from Kate and kovacic that was sold. how on earth can he get injured and the pre season ain't kick started yet?
kenbopt
0
Wtf man, even glass is stronger 🤣
Yazaopsyz
2
this All football should try to give us full update, he went to check up and they found that nothing is happening to the guy infact he's traveling with the guys in next three days time for friendly match .the guy is okay
Ritacemot
1
The problem of Players with rabbit 🐇 like bone
zombcksty
1
injury will ruin this guy's career, injury all the time