15 minutes ago, ozboy said:

James is a young club captain and the extent of his present injury isn’t known. Kante was ageing and the fact that he went to Saudis shows he was past his best. So I certainly don’t advocate selling James but I do think Gusto might need a backup. James’s is an excellent player when fit. So far he hasn’t had the opportunity to show that over a whole season in the way that Kante did over his 4-5 peak years. So regrettably James may end up as one of those “if only” careers. Sigh. 

I can't see the difference personally. Firstly it's the range of different injuries Reece has accumulated. Secondly I don't follow the age argument. Logically, as time moves forward and he gets older, you would expect his injury issues to become worse not better. There is something majorly wrong with him for sure.

The other option of course is we never have him as the first choice starter. We use him, (when fit), as the backup player coming off the bench only when the situation demands it.

Incidentally, I'm playing Devil's advocate here. I wouldn't get rid of Reece James anymore than I would have got shot of Kante. But to those who were vocal in calling for Kante to be moved on because of his injury record, I would like to hear their reasoning as to why they wouldn't also want the same logic applied to James. Or perhaps they do?

Edited August 18, 20232 yr by just

2 minutes ago, just said:

I can't see the difference personally. Firstly it's the range of different injuries Reece has accumulated. Secondly I don't follow the age argument. Logically, as time moves forward and he gets older, you would expect his injury issues to become worse not better. There is something majorly wrong with him for sure.

The other option of course is we never have him as the first choice starter. We use him, (when fit), as the backup player coming off the bench when the situation demands it.

I like the pkan b option. Expensive to have him playing 30 minutes every second game but it may be the value maximizing way. 

12 minutes ago, Gol15 said:

He just became the captain, he'll be back stronger than ever. 

Unfortunately Gol, you can easily argue, based on his injury record at such a young age, that is more wishful thinking rather than the likely outcome.

Same for Fofana. And I really rate him too.

6 minutes ago, just said:

Unfortunately Gol, you can easily argue, based on his injury record at such a young age, that is more wishful thinking rather than the likely outcome.

Same for Fofana. And I really rate him too.

I think that it is hard to accept, but the club should have a long term first choice right back on their shopping list. Sadly Reece simply cannot be relied upon to stay fit for season after season.

The talk that Reece will likely be out for months really is a severe blow to our chances of finishing much higher up the table. At the very least it will mean that victories will be a little less spectacular and much harder work without that attacking threat down the right.

3 minutes ago, Snedger said:

I think that it is hard to accept, but the club should have a long term first choice right back on their shopping list. Sadly Reece simply cannot be relied upon to stay fit for season after season.

The talk that Reece will likely be out for months really is a severe blow to our chances of finishing much higher up the table. At the very least it will mean that victories will be a little less spectacular and much harder work without that attacking threat down the right.

It is the range of injuries that is the worrying aspect.

If the figures I am looking at are right, from the 2019/20 season he has been out for;

30 days with thigh muscle injuries

95 days with knee injuries.

101 days with hamstring injuries

133 days with ankle injuries

And 55 days with illness and other fitness issues.

Those figures are staggering for such a young player.

Not even surprising at this point, we are cursed.

3 hours ago, just said:

Actually I would also ask the same question of @ducavis and @OriginalS and @Scott Harris.

James missing so many games now, do you look to sell?

 

Yeah I would if he continues being injured because I reckon if the trend continues this window would have been when we could have gotten his max transfer fee. I would be shocked if any team is prepared to put up £80m+ on those wages, and that injury record. 

Disasi has the capabilities to play more than just one position. He is primarily a CB. Big lad.  But At times last season, and for the French national team at the World Cup, the 25-year-old filled the role of right back. So we have Malo Gusto and Disasi at RB and maybe even Chalobah.  I do not feel we need to buy anyone else and in fact Disasi seems to have been purchased for the fact that he can cover RB and CB.

 

I hope James is not out for too long. He is our team Captain. He is a product of Chelsea. He is the
Mr. Chelsea . . . Who will be Captain if Thiago is out? 

 

 

The vice captain. Chilly.

Wishing James a speedy and full recovery. We need him, and no one will be more disappointed than Reece. 

I love him but he's not been particularly reliable so far on the injury front, basically guaranteed to miss 2-3 months a season. Real shame.

When my daughter told me Reece was captain, and Chilly vice captain, my first responce was who's vice vice captain. Says it all.

Out for a few weeks according to Poch. 

4 hours ago, just said:

I can't see the difference personally. Firstly it's the range of different injuries Reece has accumulated. Secondly I don't follow the age argument. Logically, as time moves forward and he gets older, you would expect his injury issues to become worse not better. There is something majorly wrong with him for sure.

The other option of course is we never have him as the first choice starter. We use him, (when fit), as the backup player coming off the bench only when the situation demands it.

Incidentally, I'm playing Devil's advocate here. I wouldn't get rid of Reece James anymore than I would have got shot of Kante. But to those who were vocal in calling for Kante to be moved on because of his injury record, I would like to hear their reasoning as to why they wouldn't also want the same logic applied to James. Or perhaps they do?

I wouldn't necessarily advocate moving him on just yet, but i have been calling for a stronger level of back up. Nothing against Gusto as I have not seen enough to make a proper judgement call but i do think more depth is needed there and i have mentioned that Pavard would be a safe alternative. Dumfries similarly although that is Inter with the problems in getting deals done with them. The price being quoted for Pavard is such that i cannot understand why we are not having a nibble.

He's done. Time to plan a sale next summer and a different gameplan to not rely on him or Chilwell anymore. Time to move on.

Only a few weeks!?

Just now, Sconnie Blue said:

Out for a few weeks according to Poch. 

That's good!

Just now, ssur said:

That's good!

Not unless they actually take the time time and work on his range of motion. It's evident James has below average hamstring, ankle, hip and shoulder mobility. 

2 minutes ago, Hessleboink said:

Only a few weeks!?

Yes, sixteen of them 😅

4 minutes ago, Sconnie Blue said:

Not unless they actually take the time time and work on his range of motion. It's evident James has below average hamstring, ankle, hip and shoulder mobility. 

TBH just watched his comments, he just says assess day by day and they want him back with the team asap...not that specific so could be months. Oh actually just saw subsequent he did say few weeks.

Edited August 18, 20232 yr by ssur

2 minutes ago, ssur said:

TBH just watched his comments, he just says assess day by day and they want him back with the team asap...not that specific so could be months.

Quote

It's a hamstring. It's not a few days, a few weeks maybe.

 

Just now, Sconnie Blue said:

 

Yep edited my post it was the next batch of questions. 

 

Phew

Just now, evissy said:

 

Phew

Fully expect it to become a big issue once he is rushed back. Sigh 😔