Reece James cannot seem to catch a break as the Chelsea superstar has suffered a "worrying" injury setback just days after making his much-awaited return to the Blues' starting XI.
The English right-back enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2021, quickly establishing himself as one of the league's, if not the world's, finest fullbacks. However, an unfortunate muscular injury has limited the 22-year-old to only 17 Premier League appearances.
The defender made a triumphant return in the Blues' Carabao Cup final encounter with Liverpool, coming off the bench in their inevitable defeat against Klopp's side. On Saturday, Reece made his first English top-flight start since December, and what a performance it was from the Three Lions ace, as the right-back scored and contributed to a clean sheet in his side's 4-0 thrashing of Burnley,
Unfortunately, the Englishman is not out of the woods yet. Speaking ahead of Thursday's showdown with bottom-of-the-table Norwich, Thomas Tuchel admitted that his star player has suffered a disappointing setback and while further tests are needed in order to determine the extent of this latest disappointment, the German is already fearing the worst.
Thomas Tuchel reveals Reece James has a muscular issue just a few games after returning from his previous injury:
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 9, 2022
'We are worried. It's not good news. It's a setback for sure.' pic.twitter.com/cruFtrjwWM
Tuchel says Reece James has a muscular injury and is out of Norwich. Chillwell is the only other player out and there's 'no chance' to see him before the season is up. #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 9, 2022
While Chelsea, who are third in the table, should be able to beat the Canaries without James, his absence could prove detrimental for the remainder of their season. Tuchel's set-up relies heavily on the wing-backs defending well but also offering a substantial threat in attack, which Reece does extremely well.
The UEFA Champions League holders were initially tipped to challenge for the Premier League crown, but after 28 rounds, the London giants find themselves 15 points behind league leaders Manchester City and only five ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal despite having played a game extra.
Additionally, Tuchel's side are still competing in the FA Cup and Europe. In the UEFA Champions League, Chelsea are 2-0 up against round of 16 opponents Lille but have a second leg tie to play at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
