By Gran Chico | March 16, 2026
Chelsea FC have suffered another injury setback after club captain Reece James picked up a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks.
The 26-year-old right-back reportedly felt discomfort towards the end of Chelsea’s Premier League defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday, where he managed to complete the full match. However, the issue became more apparent when he missed the team’s open training session on Monday.
Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed the injury while addressing the media.
“Reece felt something in his hamstring at the end of the Newcastle game. We don’t yet know the full extent, but he will definitely miss tomorrow’s match,” Rosenior said.
“He’s an important player and a leader in the squad. Losing him is never easy because he is our captain,” he added.
The injury comes just one week after James signed a new six-year contract with Chelsea. Before the setback, the defender had been enjoying one of his most consistent seasons in recent years, missing only five matches in the 2025/26 campaign.
However, this marks the 10th hamstring injury the England international has suffered since December 2020, highlighting an ongoing struggle with recurring muscle problems.
According to records, James has missed 129 matches during his senior career due to injuries, with hamstring issues accounting for a large portion of those absences.
The defender will miss Chelsea’s crucial UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge. The Blues head into the fixture trailing 5–2 from the first leg.
Chelsea are currently sixth in the Premier League table after a difficult run of form, having won only one of their last five league matches.
The injury also rules James out of England national football team friendlies against Uruguay and Japan later this month, creating a selection headache for England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite his injury struggles, Reece James remains one of the most talented and versatile defenders in the Premier League, capable of playing as a right-back, wing-back, or in advanced attacking roles. Chelsea supporters will now be hoping the latest scans provide a clear recovery timeline and that the captain can return before the end of the season.
