Chelsea’s Reece James opens up on ‘toughest year’ after latest injury setback: ‘It’s affected me mentally’

Nizaar Kinsella28 December 2022

Reece James has admitted 2022 has been the toughest year of his career and said he has been “affected mentally” by the setbacks he has experienced.

James suffered an injury setback on his return to the Chelsea team when he was forced off after 53 minutes in their 2-0 win against Bournemouth on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old was making his first appearance since suffering a knee ligament injury in October that ruled him out of the World Cup.

James faces an anxious wait to learn the severity of his latest injury.

He wrote on Twitter: “2022 has been the toughest year to date.

“Just wanna thank you all for the support, none of you go unnoticed.

“It’s naturally affected me mentally, I’m currently just tryna deal with the cards I’ve been dealt.

“I hope your end of year is filled with peace, joy and happiness.”

James saw his comeback from injury after 11 weeks on the sidelines end when he was hurt again early in the second half against Bournemouth.

He was able to make his own way off the pitch following treatment but headed straight down the tunnel and Chelsea manager Graham Potter said: “It’s the same area so we’re concerned.”

Speaking after the game, Potter added: "It’s really too soon [to tell]. We’ll have to see over the next 24-48 hours.

“He felt something there and we will have to find out the extent of it and keep our fingers crossed.”

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