Chelsea injury update: Reece James and Axel Disasi latest news and return dates

Evening Standard

·12 August 2024

Chelsea injury update: Reece James and Axel Disasi latest news and return dates

Blues frequently struggled with availability issues last season

Injuries played a huge role in what was a chaotic season for Chelsea last time out.

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For all the questions about the squad building behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, there was little doubt Mauricio Pochettino’s task was made much harder by constant availability issues.

Only Manchester United suffered more injuries than the Blues last season and Pochettino called for a review before eventually leaving his post.

There of course is hope that the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia can star this time around after overcoming injury problems to shine during pre-season, while the return of Wesley Fofana will also have been a welcome sight for new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Still, the Italian does need to make an impact this season, and having his key players available will be crucial to that.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Chelsea injuries.

Reece James

Reece James has seen his last two seasons disrupted by lengthy injury problems and has already been dealt a blow this time around.

Late last week, reports suggested the Blues skipper had suffered a new hamstring problem but James told reporters in the mixed zone after the draw with Inter Milan on Sunday that the injury was “not bad”.

Potential return date: Unknown

Axel Disasi had surgery on a hernia over the course of the summer

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Axel Disasi

Defender Axel Disasi did not play in pre-season after undergoing hernia surgery. There is hope, however, that he will be available to play Manchester City in Chelsea’s first League game of the season on Sunday.

Potential return date: Unknown