Will we see Reece again this season so he can pick up his latest season ending injury, or is this the one already?

43 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

Will we see Reece again this season so he can pick up his latest season ending injury, or is this the one already?

Not yet. Think he'll come back for a few games, miss a few for disciplinary issues then get crocked in training.

That's his template.

11 hours ago, Andy2461 said:

I would be open to selling him tbh 

but who would buy him with his injury record ? 

An Italian team. Most of our players that were picking up injuries with us haven't been as injury prone in Italy, like Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic. It's not as fast and frantic as the Premier League.

Before anybody jumps down my neck for suggesting we sell James, I'm not saying that, I'm just offering a suggestion on where he could play if the day comes where we have no choice.

I don’t really see the point in selling James now. 2 years ago maybe, when we would have received a massive fee.

I don’t think anyone is willing to pay a significant amount for him now with his injury record.

He’s easily one of our best players when fit, it’s looking really bleak at the moment but I’m still keeping my fingers crossed he’ll somehow overcome his injury issues.

He is perfect for this system.

It really is a conundrum, and a game of poker.

On one hand, a potentially best in class player, who is rarely fit.

When he is as fit and playing, teams would have paid a left bollock to get him - but we didn't want to sell.

Now he is out forever and nobody will buy him, even though we would likely want to cash in.

In the off chance he does get fit and put a prolonged run of games together - teams might then come back in for him.....but would we sell after doing the hard work of rehabilitation 

For aslong as he's performing when fit any question of a sale should be a flat no.

Even 10 games a season of Reece in this system excites the hell of me.

15 minutes ago, Argo said:

For aslong as he's performing when fit any question of a sale should be a flat no.

Even 10 games a season of Reece in this system excites the hell of me.

Mmm- not convinced.

If those 10 games were champions league finals, then I would agree.

But what if those 10 games were the lowly likes of barrow, servette or man utd? 

At that point, the monetary value of a sale is probably of more value to the club than what he puts out on the pitch. 

 

Edited September 30, 20241 yr by nonotnowjim

3 hours ago, Argo said:

For aslong as he's performing when fit any question of a sale should be a flat no.

Even 10 games a season of Reece in this system excites the hell of me.

On £250k/w where Palmer maxes out at £150k/w, it just won’t fly long term. 

This whole narrative that he is one of our best players when fit is still based on 2 seasons ago. And who are these big teams that would line up to buy a player that averages 10 games per season on ridiculous wages. Any sane team would rather have a player giving 7 every game on average wages that plays 30+ games, than an 8 on £250k/w playing 10.

4 hours ago, Argo said:

For aslong as he's performing when fit any question of a sale should be a flat no.

Even 10 games a season of Reece in this system excites the hell of me.

It may very well be that after every rehab process he returns a bit less good or inconsistent. Not changing the circumstances that injure him, he will get injured again, up to a point he's been out so much, he can't reach the heights anymore he has shown us in the past. 

Every single time he's been out injured he's come back and been just as good as before btw 

1 hour ago, Ukraine Bolt said:

Every single time he's been out injured he's come back and been just as good as before btw 

Oh I may be totally wrong. It just seems to me the older he gets, the more work he will have to put in to either stay fit or come back after injury. That may come at a cost.

Also, some young kids cement their position in the starting XI, others need to play in early-round cup matches. So beside fitness issues, there may not be many significant opportunities left for Reece to play.

I would keep Reece for those 10 or so games he mostly looks class. 

On the provision we sign another RB who stays fit to fight it out with Gusto.

56 minutes ago, Valerie said:

Oh I may be totally wrong. It just seems to me the older he gets, the more work he will have to put in to either stay fit or come back after injury. That may come at a cost.

Also, some young kids cement their position in the starting XI, others need to play in early-round cup matches. So beside fitness issues, there may not be many significant opportunities left for Reece to play.

If he's fit he's the first name on the team sheet alongside Palmer. The other 9 players fit around them.

It is difficult to remain objective with Reece, and most Chelsea players, as well, too much emotion every week!  From a team standpoint, the situation is not sustainable.  Gusto can't play the number of games we have.  A good chance to introduce Acheampong, or deputize with Fofana at RB, but in time this will catch up with us.

Pragmatically, we can't have our highest earner and club captain never available - that won't work in the long run.  But I am unwilling to give up yet.  I'd give this until summer 2026.

Sounds like he may be ready. Just needs to regain match fitness

On 30/09/2024 at 07:34, ducavis said:

On £250k/w where Palmer maxes out at £150k/w, it just won’t fly long term. 

This whole narrative that he is one of our best players when fit is still based on 2 seasons ago. And who are these big teams that would line up to buy a player that averages 10 games per season on ridiculous wages. Any sane team would rather have a player giving 7 every game on average wages that plays 30+ games, than an 8 on £250k/w playing 10

 

If we decide his injuries will always be a problem, who is going to buy him anyway?. And Reece won't want to lose his £250k a week by leaving. 

Such a shame for him,  one of the best on his day

 

Edited October 1, 20241 yr by The Rising Sun
Info

1 hour ago, The Rising Sun said:

 

If we decide his injuries will always be a problem, who is going to buy him anyway?. And Reece won't want to lose his £250k a week by leaving. 

Such a shame for him,  one of the best on his day

 

One of the best, I completely disagree. He is the best.

18 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Sounds like he may be ready. Just needs to regain match fitness

Where did you see this?

41 minutes ago, Shweaves said:

Where did you see this?

I imagine straight from the horse himself !

"long story short I’m doing well. hope to see you soon."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAl0TWvoWgj/?hl=en&img_index=1 

Interesting that our supposed centre backs Gilchrist and Humphreys are both being used as right backs on their respective loans this season. I wonder if we've asked Sheffield United and Burnley to play them there ? Try and develop them to play right back in case James continues to have injury issues ?

50 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said:

Interesting that our supposed centre backs Gilchrist and Humphreys are both being used as right backs on their respective loans this season. I wonder if we've asked Sheffield United and Burnley to play them there ? Try and develop them to play right back in case James continues to have injury issues ?

Gilchrist I've always thought he doesn't have the stature to develop into a top CB in the Premier League. 

RB makes a lot of sense. 

15 hours ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Gilchrist I've always thought he doesn't have the stature to develop into a top CB in the Premier League. 

RB makes a lot of sense. 

Agreed .. unless you are cannavaro or have a crazy leap and physicality and are supremely blessed . 6 feet don’t cut it.

If we continue to improve and Malo Gusto keeps the high level, too, I think Reece goes straight to the "B Team" to be kept away from the intensity of PL matches and have his minutes managed properly in lesser competitions at least for the first month or two after he comes back. 

Stories about he could have been back already but both the medical team and Marescas side have been "super cautious" with him. They want to reduce the risk of him breaking down on his return as much as possible, so help him back this entire last period after the first international break for more reconditioning, physio and light work.

He is however expected back in full training early next week. 

Does that mean an anfield start? I highly doubt it, but perhaps a spot on the bench.