Chelsea captain Reece James has vowed to overcome his latest injury setback.
The defender only made his return from a hamstring injury in October but will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Leicester with a fresh issue.
While the Blues are hopeful the latest problem is not particularly serious, head coach Enzo Maresca is unsure when the 24-year-old will be able to return.
Such has been the extent of his issues over the past two seasons or so, it seems unlikely James will be rushed back into action.
James underwent surgery on his hamstring back in December and later suffered a setback during pre-season, ruling him out of the first seven Premier League games of this campaign.
He returned for the defeat at Liverpool in October and started games against both Newcastle and Manchester United, before coming off the bench during the 1-1 draw with Arsenal before the international break.
Speaking on Thursday, Maresca said: “He is out for sure this weekend and then we’ll see. Hopefully [he can be] for the next one.
“Now we start to play every three days so it is difficult that he will be available for the Conference League. Hopefully he can be available soon.”
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, James posted a story in which he vowed to overcome the latest “challenge” he’s been dealt on the fitness front.
🚨🔵 Reece James official statement.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 21, 2024
Get well soon! 🤞🏻 pic.twitter.com/iCASkSLgBq
James will hope to return for the Conference League clash with German side Heidenheim on Thursday as the fixtures start to pile up thick and fast.
