Reece James’ injury blow, which could see him return to fitness sometime after the World Cup, is a “massive” blow for Chelsea.
What’s the word?
That is according to journalist Paul Brown who has informed GIVEMESPORT of the importance of the England international in Chelsea’s attacking play.
Brown laments the injury blow and believes “it’s massive” for the club to be without such a “brilliant player.”
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: “It’s massive for Chelsea to be without James. He’s a brilliant player, I can remember last season when they lost him and [Ben] Chilwell at the same time, it completely ruined all of their attacking play.
“It was such a big loss to lose both of them at the same time, although obviously, Chilwell is still around at the moment.”
Chelsea ruin
Having asserted himself as one of Chelsea’s greatest attacking threats, £250k-per-week James is and will continue to be sorely missed by Graham Potter’s side, who have created just four big chances in the two games without the 22-year-old – the same total of big chances that they created against Milan in the 2-0 win just over a week ago.
Ranking as the Blues’ second-best attacking asset last season, having grabbed five goals and nine assists, it’s fair to say that James is a talismanic figure to Potter’s side, with his progressive playing style out-wide not replicable by many.
The England international created 48 chances from right wing-back for Chelsea last season, which is more than England and West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen created for West Ham, having created 41 chances for the London Stadium side last term.
Considering his deep starting position, it’s an impressive feat and is demonstrative of his importance to both Chelsea and England.
At this rate, the 22-year-old will need to recover ahead of schedule if he is to make it in time for the World Cup, with Chelsea fans also desperate for his return, amidst the huge James-shaped hole in their attacking build-up.
