S Poddar
Chelsea and defender Reece James have just suffered another blow in the form of yet another delay for him to return to action. His comeback had been much talked about, but hamstring injury problems have caused setbacks.
James was also not seen much on the pitch during the last two seasons. He is out now for a much longer spell too, although he had picked up a fresh hamstring injury during the summer which complicated his recovery process even more.
Chelsea has always been concerned with the return of the defender to full fitness, given the importance he plays to the team. James has not been able to appear regularly because of recurring injuries, and each setback has been a big blow for him as well as the club.
They had expected this new injury heals quickly; unfortunately, recovery did not go as smooth as was expected. Thus, renewed uncertainty upon James’s return timeline was met amongst the fans and the team themselves who were all eagerly waiting for the return date.
Chelsea might well still have to put without James even as they look ahead to the coming games, which becomes a big challenge to the club at the back in such games without one of the two tactical anchors and the question is whether the depth in their squad can support this shift.
As the current situation reflects some of the more comprehensive challenges that athletes face when it comes to managing injuries and their complications in the recovery process, James and his team will now strive to ensure that he recovers fully and sustainably instead of rushing back to the field with a potential risk for complications.
Though maddeningly frustrating for all, it is James and Chelsea who remain committed to finding the problem, despite patiently being cautious. Nothing takes over the top priority of a complete recovery so that he might one day return to the form and fitness levels which make the rather slight but impressively useful defender such an indispensable part of the side.
In the meantime, Chelsea will continue to adjust its tactics and shape their lineup, considering the absence of James, and will continue performing at the same levels as they try to slog through these challenges.
