Reece James’ long-awaited return to Chelsea has been delayed due to injury as the defender’s ‘hamstring is not healing as well as expected’

Reece James’ return to football has been stalled once again, according to reports, with the Chelsea star taking longer to recover from a hamstring injury.

The Sun newspaper claims that the defender’s recovery has slowed, with club doctors believing that his hamstring injury has not healed as well as expected.

Despite this, the portal adds: “Stamford Bridge staff assure that there has been no recurrence or new muscle injury.”

James sustained his current injury this summer after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following hamstring surgery in December 2023.

He has made just 10 Premier League appearances in the 2023-24 season, having only made 16 appearances in the previous season.

His current injury has prevented him from being called up to the England squad that reached the final of the 2024 European Championships.

James featured for Chelsea on their summer tour of the US but has yet to make a Premier League appearance for the London club this season.

The 24-year-old defender has struggled with hamstring injuries throughout his career, which have undoubtedly prevented him from fully utilising the potential of his immense talent.

There is no set date for James’ return, but fans will be hoping the club favourite is in the first team before the end of the calendar year.

The news comes after it emerged that Maresca has brought back his defensive colleague Ben Chilwell. The England defender, who has been sent to Italy’s counter-terrorism unit, was pictured laughing and smiling during training with the Blues boss.