captain Reece James has thanked fans for their support following his latest injury setback, promising to return to action ‘stronger than before’.
, starting in the season-opening draw with Liverpool.
In the days that followed
The 23-year-old has faced a number of injury problems over the last 12 months, limited to just 24 appearances last season and missing the after suffering a knee injury.
Chelsea are still to confirm the full extent of James’ latest injury with the skipper writing on Instagram on Friday: ‘Forever thankful for the support.
‘Missing being out there. But working hard to come back stronger than before, both physically and mentally. Stay well and I’ll see you soon. The marathon continues.’
Speaking last Friday, Pochettino said of James’ setback: ‘It’s a sad moment because he’s our captain and he was so excited by that. He was full of energy.
‘I think we’re going to assess him day-by-day. Hopefully he can come back soon and be stronger than he was.
‘He will not be back in a few days. It will be a few weeks. It’s not a big issue but the most important thing is that we sort the problem and he can come back.’
Malo Gusto came into the Chelsea starting XI in James’ absence last Sunday, making his first starting appearance for the club in the 3-1 defeat to West Ham.
Chelsea are also without Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku, with the defender suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in July with summer signing Nkunku undergoing knew surgery earlier this month.
Chelsea are looking to secure their first win of the season when they take on Luton at home on Friday night.
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