DEJA BLUE
Chelsea blow as Reece James banned for first three games NEXT season – after starting just five league matches this term
James' injury record has completely marred his season
CHELSEA captain Reece James will miss the first three games of the 2024-25 season due to a suspension.
The full-back was sent off after kicking out at Joao Pedro during Chelsea's Premier League clash with Brighton.
2
2
Referee Michael Salisbury missed the retaliation at first, but brandished the red card following a VAR review.
Chelsea went on to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku.
However, James' dismissal put a damper on the celebrations.
The 24-year-old will now miss four games through suspension - three for violent conduct plus an additional one because it was his second straight-red card of the season.
Read More on Football
It means he will miss Chelsea's final match of the season against Bournemouth.
He will also be unavailable for the club's first three Premier League games next season.
James made his return from injury last week when he came off the bench against Nottingham Forest.
His last appearance before that came against Everton in December.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
The defender suffered a hamstring injury during the match and was forced to undergo surgery, keeping him sidelined for five months.
James was named Chelsea captain last summer following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta.
Mauricio Pochettino's press conference after Chelsea's 2-1 win at Brighton
However, due to his injury issues Conor Gallagher has taken the armband on several occasions.
Topics