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Reece James’ injury is a significant blow for Mauricio Pochettino, but Chelsea may have a backup option available.
Mauricio Pochettino faces a significant injury blow, with Reece James now a doubt for Chelsea’s Premier League match against West Ham United.
James, a 23-year-old attacking wing-back, was substituted for tiredness in the 76th minute against Liverpool, despite appearing to hold his leg before leaving the field.
The Argentine emphasized the importance of assessing and analyzing past players to understand their origins due to their fatigue.
“The player was injured for three to four months during the pre-season, and the team chose to avoid risk by playing only 80 minutes.”
Chelsea captain Pochettino is considering Malo Gusto as a replacement for James in the starting lineup against West Ham, having signed from Lyon in January and loaned back due to injuries.
Gusto replaces James against Liverpool and could start against Hammers, as Todd Boehly identified him as a quality backup option due to James’ injury issues.
James missed 25 games in the 2022/23 season due to injury, with Gusto having high chances of playing during the campaign.
“Why I chose Reece James as Chelsea’s new captain,” says Pochettino.
In January, a youngster expressed his happiness and enthusiasm for joining Chelsea, stating he chose the club due to its size and project.
Chelsea’s pre-match press conference on Friday will likely focus on James’ injury, but they have an able deputy in Gusto.
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