Huge transfer blow for Chelsea ahead of busy period

Chelsea will look to close in on qualification for the Europa Conference League knockout stages by beating Heidenheim on Thursday. 

Enzo Maresca’s side travel to Germany having won their opening three matches of the group phase, recording a resounding 8-0 victory over Armenian side Noah at Stamford Bridge last time out.

The Blues currently sit top of the group standings and are on course to qualify easily for the next round, but Maresca will be hoping to see his side put in a strong performance on Thursday.

One player that won’t be involved in the game, though, is Reece James.

The right-back has suffered yet another injury and GiveMeSport, the Englishman is set to be out until January.

The report suggests that the 24-year-old has had a scan on his latest hamstring injury, and is unlikely to return to action before the Blues face Crystal Palace in early January.

James is set for another spell on the sidelines

James is a product of Chelsea’s youth academy and is now the club’s captain, having established himself in the first team over the past few seasons.

His time as a senior player has been plagued by injury, though, missing more than 100 games for the West London club since 2020.

James, who has played more than 160 times for the club in total, could miss as many as ten games for Chelsea as the Blues face a busy festive schedule over the coming weeks.

Despite his impending absence, the report claims that Chelsea are viewing the results of the player’s scan as largely positive and better than first feared.

While Maresca has a huge squad to work with, the issue caused by James’ absence has been made worse in recent weeks after fellow right-back Malo Gusto suffered an injury.

Maresca has used Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana at right-back on different occasions so far this term.