Chelsea and England star defender Reece James has admitted that staying motivated during his current injury has been his toughest challenge so far in his career. The 22-year-old has been a key part of the setup for both club and country over the past couple years, offering plenty going forward and back on the right.
However, concerns over injuries continue to arise after missing a large chunk of the previous campaign to long-term absences. The 22-year-old would've hoped for a clear run at this campaign, but it wasn't to be after clashing knees with Theo Hernandez in October's 2-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League.
In clear discomfort, James was brought off in the tie and he discussed how he found out the timescale of his problem in a youtube video: "I went in for a tackle against AC Milan when I got injured. I didn't think it was too bad after the game, I stayed an extra day in Milan and thought maybe it was just a little niggle. I think a day or two later I saw a surgeon. He told me that I was going to be out for around two months."
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While being sidelined for the Blues isn't ideal, missing out on the upcoming World Cup was even worse due to it only coming around every four years. The England star was in a race against time to return to fitness for the competition, but he missed out on Gareth Southgate's squad.
With the Three Lions through to the next round but the defender not involved in the clashes, he was asked about pushing through his injury in a fan Q and A, saying: "Being motivated whilst being injured & missing the World Cup has been the hardest hurdle in my professional career.
"It’s been super tough, I can’t lie, but everything happens for a reason. The sun don’t stop for no one. We keep goin! Good question btw!"
While it's proven to be a difficult time for the full-back during his injury, there will be hopes that he can be back and firing in time for the resumption of the league, with plenty more international tournaments in his future.
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