Chelsea star suffers knee injury before pre-season tour

The Blues might have to continue their pre-season campaign without a key defender.

Reece James has undergone a scan for a potential knee injury just days before Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the United States.

James has faced numerous injury setbacks in recent seasons, featuring in only 26 Premier League games in the 2021/22 season and a mere 16 matches last year due to a hamstring injury.

Having spent the summer focusing on recovery and fitness, James reportedly experienced knee pain during an early pre-season training session. As a precautionary measure, Chelsea decided to send him for a scan, which revealed the injury was not serious.

Chelsea had already strengthened their right-back position in January by acquiring 20-year-old Malo Gusto from Lyon, who remained on loan until this summer. With Cesar Azpilicueta’s departure to Atletico Madrid, Gusto is likely to provide cover for James throughout the upcoming season.

New manager Mauricio Pochettino has emphasized fitness in the early training sessions, aiming to address the high number of injuries that have plagued Chelsea in recent seasons. The coaching staff has been bolstered by the addition of Australian sports scientist Bryce Cavanagh, renowned for his work with Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

The Blues start their U.S. tour with a match against Wrexham on Thursday before meeting Borussia Dortmund in early August.