Maurcio Pochettino has described Reece James’ mood as “down, disappointed and frustrated” after picking up yet another injury for Chelsea.
The fullback was forced off in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Everton just before the half hour mark, having only featured in eight games since his last setback.
Pochettino explained that easing James back into full fitness was a good solution, but was downbeat after seeing his player hobble off last week.
I prefer not to talk too much now. We need to know better the situation. I think he’s a little bit down because he was very excited to come back. How we build him back was perfect because it was step by step”, said Pochettino.
“First, he played 25 minutes, then 30 minutes, 35, 45, 60 minutes. it was in a perfect way we tried to build his confidence and full recovery and for him it’s difficult to accept. He feel very disappointed, very frustrated. Now we need to be careful in the way we talk and also assess and try to find the resolution for him to be consistent.
“I am worried about all of the players. When is is a difficult period when a player doesn’t play, always he’s down. Then when it’s time to start again, our mind is difficult to keep quiet and calm but we are going to support him.”
“We are here to support him to try and help and we are all thinking in terms to find a solution for as soon as possible to get him with the group, full recovery then try so the same thing doesn’t happen again.”
Robert Sanchez will also be missing from Chelsea’s game against Sheffield United. Back up goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is likely to make his first start in a Chelsea shirt, after Sanchez was forced off last week.
Pochettino reiterated his faith in his second choice shot stopper.
Of course. I have faith in all of my players. He arrived at Chelsea because we believed he had great potential. He is young and came from different football in USA”, said the Chelsea boss.
“Now after four or five months working with us is the moment for him to step up and feel good because we have the confidence in him, we trust in him, the teammates trust in him. Now is to make the debut in Stamford Bridge, yes we trust that he can perform in the way we want.”
