Chelsea captain Reece James has suffered another hamstring injury.
The right-back suffered his 10th hamstring injury since December 2020, just days after signing a new six-year contract with the club.
James, 26, has appeared in six of Chelsea’s last seven games and has been largely unscathed this season, missing just five games due to fitness issues.
“I had to go through a lot of struggles and setbacks for a couple of years,” he said after signing his new contract last week. “I’m in really good shape right now. I’m feeling good physically and I’m playing regularly, two to three games a week.”
His latest injury comes at a crucial time for Rosenior’s side, who have won just one of their last five games and have fallen to sixth in the Premier League as they aim to overturn a 5-2 deficit against PSG on Tuesday night.
“Reece felt something in his hamstring against Newcastle,” head coach Liam Rosenior said on Monday. “It was a really frustrating and disappointing incident for us.
“We don’t know the full extent of the injury, but he will not be able to play in tomorrow’s game.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
We take a closer look at Chelsea’s team crowding around referee Paul Tierney and whether they could be penalized if they continue to do so.
“A hamstring injury is never a great thing. As for Reece, we’ll know more once he’s had his scans. We know what an important player he is and the leader of the group. He’s our captain.”
“Any player, at any time, if they feel something, they will be concerned about it. Once we have a full diagnosis, we can make a statement about it.”
James is expected to be selected in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup and must be selected by May 30, but will miss the match against Uruguay and friendly against Japan in March.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Kaveh Solgekor explains why Chelsea received transfer ban and £10.75m fine
Meanwhile, Estevao joined Chelsea’s training on Monday after missing the past six games with a hamstring injury, and was joined by Levi Colwill as he continues his return to fitness following ACL surgery.
Goalkeeper Philipp Jorgensen was absent due to a groin problem, while right-back Maro Gusto was also absent due to illness.
“As for Maro (Gusto), he didn’t feel well today, so we’ll have him take a look tomorrow,” Rosenior added at a press conference.
“Estevao is back in training. Now that he’s back in the group, we’ll see if he can take part in the game in some way tomorrow.”
“Filip (Jorgensen) felt something in his groin after the PSG game and we are having another scan to find out the full extent of the injury.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle.
Pedro Neto avoided punishment after receiving a warning from UEFA for pushing a ball boy in the first leg against PSG.
“He is a top player. He has apologized for the incident in Paris,” Rosenior said. “There was no malice. He just wanted to continue playing. UEFA made the right decision.”
Tuesday 17th March: Paris Saint-Germain (h) – Champions League last-16 second leg, kick-off at 8pm
Saturday 21st March: Everton (a) – Premier League, 5.30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
Saturday 4th April: Port Vale (h) – FA Cup quarter-final, 5.15pm kick-off
Sunday 12th April: Man City (h) – Premier League, 4.30pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
Saturday 18th April: Man United (h) – Premier League, 8pm kick-off
Saturday 26th April – Brighton (h) – Premier League, 4.30pm kick-off
