The captain of Chelsea Football Club Reece James has expressed his excitement as it concerns his fitness level since the arrival of Enzo Maresca in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Reece James has been a victim of hamstring injury in thr past two seasons but has returned to full fitness especially this season after it was properly managed by the Chelsea staff. The right-back was asked about how he has been able to stay fit this season after the victory against Nottingham Forest.
He said,
“I am on the way to getting back to where I was, it’s taken a long time, but I’m feeling stronger game by game. I’m happy to be playing for Chelsea Football Club and playing regularly again makes me happy. Many people behind the scenes are helping me; they know who they are. I have someone at the club that I work closely with as well; he’s been a big part of keeping me on the pitch.”
Reece James injury history at Chelsea
Reece James has endured a turbulent last two seasons, with injuries repeatedly halting his momentum and limiting his impact on the pitch. Once seen as one of the most promising right-backs in world football, James’ journey between the 2023–24 and 2024–25 campaigns has been overshadowed by a string of recurring hamstring issues that have kept him sidelined for long stretches.
The 2023–24 season began with high hopes after he was named Chelsea captain in August 2023, but those hopes were quickly dampened. A hamstring injury early in the campaign forced him out for several weeks, and by December, the situation worsened — James required surgery to address the recurring problem. The operation ruled him out for nearly five months, effectively ending his season. His brief return in May 2024 offered a glimpse of his quality but also underlined the need for a cautious approach to his recovery.