Chelsea's Nightmare Continues as Fresh Injury Blow Rocks Stamford Bridge
The Football Association has announced that Chelsea fullback Reece James has departed the England squad following an injury sustained during Saturday's triumph against Liverpool.
James delivered an outstanding performance across the full 90 minutes in the 2–1 victory, finishing the match as a central defender due to an injury crisis that added both Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong to the casualty list alongside Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill.
Regrettably for James, this exceptional display appears to have taken its toll as the FA announced that medical assessment by England's physicians revealed he had sustained an injury.
The fullback has been removed from the national team roster, with adaptable Manchester City prospect Nico O'Reilly called up as his replacement.
Details regarding the type or extent of James's injury have not been disclosed. A social media post following the Liverpool match showed a nasty gash on his leg, though it remains uncertain if this is connected to his England squad withdrawal.
The 25-year-old has endured terrible fortune with injury setbacks in recent seasons but has been gradually rebuilding his match fitness under Maresca's guidance.
James featured in only 12 Premier League matches during Maresca's first campaign as the Blues manager deliberately worked to safeguard his skipper, who has already appeared in four fixtures this term and accumulated nearly half the playing time he recorded throughout the entire previous season.
Hamstring problems have been the main issue for James and supporters are anxiously waiting for a definitive update regarding his status.
The international window provides James a fortnight to concentrate on rehabilitation and Chelsea will be hoping to welcome their captain back for the journey to Nottingham Forest on Oct. 18.
Chelsea supporters are also anticipating an official report on the availability of key midfielder Moisés Caicedo, who was omitted from the Ecuador roster due to fitness concerns. The understanding is that Caicedo is merely being given rest during an international period consisting of two exhibition matches.