Chelsea captain Reece James has not played a game for the club since December.
Following Chelsea‘s 2-0 defeat to Everton that month, where Reece James was forced off injured, he has undergone a hamstring operation.
It has left the Blues skipper on the sidelines, with Malo Gusto coming in to fill in for him.
Gusto has certainly not done a bad job covering for the 24-year-old. In total, the Frenchman has made 32 appearances and provided eight assists this season.
It is not bad for a right-back, but Chelsea supporters will want to see their captain back in action soon. James is easily one of the best players at Stamford Bridge, and it has been claimed that he has even impressed Real Madrid scouts who have watched him.
Reece James posts positive injury update on Instagram
No return date has been set for James following his hamstring surgery.
However, it does look like the England international could at least make another appearance before the end of the season.
James took to Instagram yesterday to inform everyone where he is currently at, letting Chelsea supporters know that it will not be long before he comes back.
Because of his injury woes, James has only been able to make nine appearances this term.
Reece James could have to fight for Chelsea place upon return
Again, Gusto is having a really good season at Chelsea. Over the last year overall, the France international has impressed.
As per FBref, Gusto has ranked in the 94th percentile for progressive carries and the 90th for touches in the attacking penalty area among his positional peers.
He is a really good full-back going forward, so James may not be instantly restored to the Blues’ starting XI, especially with Mauricio Pochettino perhaps needing to manage him carefully because of his injury history.
