Why isn't Reece James playing for Chelsea today?

Reece James' seemingly perpetual injury woes have permeated into the 2024/25 season.

The Chelsea full-back once seemed destined for superstardom having broken through off the back of the club's transfer ban in 2019. A powerful operator with a fierce whipped delivery, a fit and firing James was once compared to the great modern pioneers of his position.

A promotion to club captain signified his importance to the Blues. An academy graduate that won the lot at youth level, James has long been regarded as a fan's favourite, but adoring Chelsea supporters simply haven't seen enough of him in recent times.

The full-back spent over 200 days on the sidelines last season and missed 38 games as a result. He's had a litany of ailments, but his hamstrings have been giving him the most grief over the past 18 months. It's an issue he's seemingly yet to resolve.

Why isn't Reece James playing vs Man City?

James donned the armband and was a prominent figure during what was a tough pre-season for Chelsea at the start of Maresca's reign.

The gifted defender was tested in multiple roles, and there has been growing excitement over his potential under Maresca. However, we will not get to enjoy the latest iteration of the Chelsea skipper on Matchday 1 of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

Chelsea revealed in the week leading up to the Blues' opener against Manchester City that James had suffered another hamstring injury that was going to keep him out of action. However, the Chelsea defender was already unavailable for Sunday's game as he's currently serving a four-match ban following his dismissal for violent conduct against Brighton at the backend of last season.

When is Reece James expected to return from injury?

Fortunately, James' latest setback is only thought to be minor and the Chelsea defender is projected to return once his suspension concludes after the September international break.

After picking up his minor injury earlier in the week, James later captioned an Instagram story: "Good to be back on the grass," indicating that his setback is nothing to worry about.

As a result, Chelsea will expect to have their captain available against West Ham on 21 September.

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