Reece James ruled out of PSG clash with 10th hamstring injury of his career

Chelsea captain Reece James has suffered another hamstring injury that could rule him out for several weeks at a crucial stage of the season.

The setback comes only days after the defender signed a new six-year contract committing his long-term future to the club.

James was absent from open training with the Chelsea squad on Monday ahead of their decisive Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed that the club are waiting for scan results before determining the full extent of the problem.

Rosenior acknowledged that any hamstring issue is concerning and said the club will know more once medical assessments are completed.

The Chelsea manager also stressed James’ importance to the squad, both on and off the pitch.

James is the club captain and one of the most influential figures in the dressing room.

The latest injury is particularly frustrating given the defender had enjoyed a relatively consistent period of fitness over the past year.

However, the problem continues a troubling pattern in James’ career.

This is reportedly the 10th hamstring injury affecting either leg since December 2020.

Those repeated setbacks have often disrupted the defender’s momentum during important periods of the season.

The timing of this latest injury is also problematic for Chelsea as they approach a demanding run of fixtures.

The London club are preparing for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea trail the French champions 5-2 from the first leg and face a major challenge to overturn the deficit.

Domestically, the club have also slipped to sixth place in the Premier League table. Chelsea have won just one of their last five league matches.

James’ absence will weaken the team at a moment when results are urgently needed.

The defender had also been expected to feature prominently for the England national football team in upcoming international fixtures.

England are scheduled to face Uruguay and Japan in friendlies later this month. Those matches form part of the preparations for the upcoming World Cup.

Manager Thomas Tuchel must finalise his squad before FIFA’s deadline at the end of May. The tournament begins on June 11 and runs until July 19.

James had been widely viewed as a leading candidate to start at right-back for England. The injury now places that prospect in doubt.

The priority for Chelsea will be ensuring their captain recovers fully and avoids another prolonged spell on the sidelines.