Due to a minor hamstring strain, Reece James was forced to withdraw from the England team. This is just the most recent in a spate of fitness issues the Chelsea right-back has encountered this year.
In terms of luck, Reece James is in a terrible situation.
This has meant for Chelsea that they have played more than half of their games this season without who is arguably their most important player. Since taking over for Thomas Tuchel in September, Graham Potter has had limited time to utilise James, which has definitely had a negative effect on the team's performance.
Due to this, Potter was forced to play Ruben Loftus-Cheek, a natural center midfielder, or Cesar Azpilicueta at right back or right wingback depending on the system the team was utilizing. Chelsea supporters have been pleading for the right-back position to be filled in recent transfer windows because it is obvious to them that James needs assistance in that position.
Who would want to come and essentially take the place of the England international given how outstanding James is? In any case, Chelsea found a solution during the January transfer window when the club authorized the acquisition of Malo Gusto from Lyon.
The gifted 19-year-old, who attracted considerable interest from other clubs, selected Chelsea because he was excited about and eager to be a part of the club's long-term project. However, Gusto will remain at Lyon on a loan until the end of the season because the French team is desperate to hold onto him for the remainder of their campaign. Chelsea didn't want that to happen, but they were prepared to make a compromise.
But, this season's issue still exists because Chelsea faces a challenging rest of the season. Although Potter and his team won't give up on the goal, their chances of finishing in the top four are all but gone. Instead, the club will be concentrating on the Champions League.
James' departure from the England team may have been a precaution or it might be something more serious, but Chelsea will be hoping he can recuperate in time for the two-game Champions League quarterfinal series against Real Madrid starting next month. One of the hardest wingers to play against in sports, Vinicius Jr. has been in outstanding form this season for Los Blancos. For the Blues, not having James mark him might be really bad news.
To ensure James is fully recovered before the two legs and ready to take on Real, Potter will use every means at his disposal. Chelsea will be far better off next season if James were to miss matches due to injury, but because of their compromise in the January transfer window—which is sure to pay off in the long run—they are once again having right-back issues.
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