Chelsea fans were left absolutely gutted yesterday following the announcement that Reece James has suffered a fresh injury.

Blues captain Reece James, who’s been plagued with injuries throughout his career, was forced off early during the weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Everton in the Premier League.

The club confirmed this week that the 24-year-old defender is now facing another spell on the sidelines.

Chelsea shared via their official website that results from a scan show James has a new hamstring injury, so he’ll now complete a rehabilitation programme at Cobham.

Update from source close to Chelsea

The Athletic has been told by one source connected to Chelsea that James faces an uphill battle to return to fitness before the end of the season in late May.

If the secret club source is correct, it’s very worrying news for everyone at Stamford Bridge.

You could make a strong argument that the all-action right-back is the best player in the squad when he’s fit and firing, but he just can’t seem to beat these constant injury interruptions.

He’s only played nine games across all competitions so far this season. Hopefully, he’s not played his last.

It’s worth adding that this is why the club went out and signed real cover at right-back with Malo Gusto, so let’s hope the 20-year-old can come good once he’s back from his own injury problem.

Reece James injuryJames uploaded a message on Instagram yesterday with the caption “devastated”. He received positive messages in the comment section from the likes of Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger.

The English star now has to go through yet another gruelling recovery process, which we’re guessing can be a lonely road at times.

Let’s hope that the full-back isn’t rushed back too quickly and this can be the final of a long chain of injuries.

In the meantime, there’s a big onus on the rest of the squad to lift things on the pitch. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are well off it right now.