Chelsea duo Reece James and Omari Kellyman continue to recover from injury
Chelsea were beaten 2-1 in their opening Premier League match by Manchester City but have looked far steadier thereafter. A recent win against Brighton & Hove Albion by a 4-2 margin was one of their best offensive performances of the season, as Cole Palmer’s quadruple helped them pick up all three points in pursuit of a top-four finish come the end of the campaign.
The injury list has been kind to Enzo Maresca so far, it is fair to say, however, the manager remains without Reece James and Omari Kellyman. Both players have been on the sidelines since the start of the season and have yet to play their first few minutes of 2024/25. Evening Standard has provided an update on both, the west Londoners’ captain as well as this summer’s new arrival, Kellyman.
James is suffering from a hamstring issue, which he first picked up during the team’s tour of the United States in pre-season in the summer. The 24-year-old’s injury return has no set timeline at this point in time but given his record with fitness, it is understandable why Chelsea are not affording any risks with him. He has not played a single minute of official football for the Blues since May.
19-year-old Omari Kellyman arrived from Aston Villa on Deadline Day and it was September by the time the formalities of his deal went through. Like Reece James, he is also on the treatment table with a hamstring injury, however, contrary to his captain, there is a timeline for the Englishman’s return. If all goes well, he will be back at Maresca’s disposal by November – so there are still some weeks to go.
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While investment in Kellyman is a long-term decision made by the club, fortunately for Chelsea, Reece James’ absence has not come at a very expensive price as Malo Gusto has replaced him to good measure so far in the season. Nonetheless, once he is fully fit, the captain is likely to beat Gusto to a starting role and it will be interesting to see how much longer he can maintain his rhythm after a lengthy spell away.
