After the international break and a strong 7-0 win against Port Vale, Chelsea is preparing for a crucial phase of the season. This stretch will determine if Liam Rosenior remains in charge and if the team can secure Champions League football again. With Manchester City coming up, the media conference addressed Reece James’s injury status. The team is currently short on leaders as Enzo Fernandez is suspended and Levi Colwill continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
Will Reece James Start for Chelsea This Weekend vs Manchester City?
Latest Update from Liam Rosenior
During discussions about player conditions, the manager mentioned that Colwill is training fully but still has hurdles to clear before he can play this season. Trevoh Chalobah is also progressing but, importantly, James has resumed running with the team. However, none of these players will be available for the match against City.
James’s return to running indicates that he may require several weeks to regain full fitness. This is particularly concerning given his history of muscular injuries.
What This Means for The Squad
The team will lack leadership as both the captain and club captain are unavailable for this Premier League match. This absence could be significant, especially in facing a strong Manchester City side that boasts experienced leaders throughout its lineup.
With James sidelined, Malo Gusto is expected to start as right-back. While Gusto is a solid wing-back, he does not possess the same technical skills as James, who has shown he can also excel in midfield.