Chelsea’s captain, Reece James will not feature in the team’s Premier League match against Leicester this weekend after picking up another hamstring injury.

The news was confirmed by Enzo Maresca at a press conference on Thursday.

“We have just one injured player, that is Reece. He felt something small and we don’t want to take any risk,” Maresca said.

Reece James has struggled with recurring muscular injuries in recent seasons. He only returned to action on October 20, after a five-month layoff, in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.

This latest injury is another setback for the defender, who has had a difficult year with fitness issues, including surgery in December 2023 aimed at addressing his ongoing hamstring problems.

Reece James had been gradually eased back into first-team action after his return

The Chelsea captain had played just 482 minutes of football last season due to similar injuries, and this current issue will keep him sidelined once again.

Maresca confirmed that James is the only player definitely unavailable for selection this weekend.

“He is the only one for sure who is injured. The rest, some are better, some are still a doubt. We have to see.”

The 24-year-old winger had been gradually eased back into first-team action after his return, starting consecutive games against Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester United.

He also played the final eight minutes of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal before the international break.

Maresca had previously noted his cautious approach to James’ return, acknowledging that the player’s body may struggle with playing multiple matches in a week.