Chelsea suffer injury scare as Reece James is sent for a ‘precautionary’ knee scan ahead of the Blues’ pre-season tour of the US
- Chelsea star Reece James has been sent for a ‘precautionary’ scan on his knee
- The 23-year-old is expected to take part in the Blues’ pre-season tour of the US
- James made just 14 league starts last season in a campaign blighted by injuries
Chelsea have been hit with an injury scare as Reece James has been sent for a scan on his knee days before the club are set to embark on a pre-season tour of the US.
Under the stewardship of new boss Mauricio Pochettino, the Blues will play four friendlies stateside this summer, starting with a clash with Wrexham in North Carolina on Wednesday.
The Argentinian faces a stern test ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign, after inheriting a side that slumped to 12th last season, despite a Todd Boehly spending big in his first full season as the club’s owner.
Despite their disappointing performances on the pitch last season, the Blues squad contains a wealth of individual talent, not least academy graduate James.
According to a report from the Evening Standard, Chelsea are expecting positive news regarding the scan but were keen to get a medical evaluation on the 23-year-old’s condition after he complained of feeling pain.
Reece James was sent for a scan on his knee after complaining of pain ahead of Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the US
Mauricio Pochettino will take charge of the Blues for the first time when they take on Wrexham on Wednesday
The news will no doubt come as a worry to Blues fans, particularly given James’ struggles with injury last season.
The England star started the campaign well, starting eight of the club’s first ten Premier League games in a tumultuous period that saw Thomas Tuchel replaced by Graham Potter.
However, a knee injury in October saw James forced onto the sidelines, as he missed out being part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.
The full-back returned to action in February, but his stint in the squad was short lived as further injuries restricted him to a total of just 14 Premier League starts for the entire season.
Meanwhile, Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku have not travelled with the squad for the pre-season tour.
Marseille are reportedly interested in bringing Aubameyang to Ligue 1, whilst Lukaku finds himself in the middle of a Serie A tug-of-war as Juventus and Inter Milan battle to secure his signature for the coming season.
Blues academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi is also not heading on the tour, with the 22-year-old also expected to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
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