JAMES’ SHOCK SUSPENSION: Reece James Ban Leaves Chelsea Reeling Ahead of Season Opener
Enzo Maresca faces an early challenge as Chelsea prepares for their Premier League opener against Manchester City. The highly anticipated match will take place at Stamford Bridge on August 18, with both teams eager to kick off the season successfully.
Chelsea’s preparations have been hindered by a setback involving Reece James. The defender will be unavailable for the match due to a suspension. James, 24, received a four-match ban following a red card incident in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Brighton last season. The suspension was a result of an off-the-ball altercation where James lashed out at Joao Pedro, just 15 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Following the match, Mauricio Pochettino addressed the incident with reporters.
“It’s difficult to give my opinion because I didn’t have time to see the action.
“Maybe it’s the frustration of him. But, yes, painful. Painful because it was a fantastic night of football and he’s our captain and a really important player. I’m disappointed because now he’s going to miss the next game and maybe a few games in next season.”
James was absent for Chelsea’s match against Bournemouth on the final day of the previous season, resulting in his unavailability for the first three Premier League matches of this season. The England player will not participate in Chelsea’s games against Manchester City, Wolves (away), and Crystal Palace (at home).
Even with James beginning the new season under suspension, Pochettino expressed confidence in his ability to reestablish himself as one of the Premier League’s top players. The former Chelsea manager commented:
“It has obviously been a very difficult season for Reece but now we need to help him move on, to accept the punishment that for sure will be there.
“The most important thing now is that we back him, we trust in him and that we help him to be ready for pre-season, to start to train and build his fitness. Then the talent is there for sure that next season he’s going to be one of the best players again in the Premier League.”
