James admits: I’m going through the hardest years of my life

Chelsea’s Reece James has admitted 2022 has been his “difficult year” after suffering a setback during Tuesday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth.

The England international missed the World Cup finals in Qatar, with a knee injury, before returning to Chelsea’s starting list during their 2-0 win over Bournemouth.

James lasted 53 minutes at Stamford Bridge, host of the match, before being substituted, with a problem with the same knee he had previously injured, and walked out of the stadium wearing a brace.

James wrote on his account on the social networking site (Twitter): 2022 has been the hardest year I’ve had so far. I just want to thank you all for the support.

James added: I was naturally mentally affected, as I am currently just trying to deal with the cards that have been dealt to me. May the end of the year be filled with peace, joy and happiness.

For his part, Chelsea manager Graham Potter expressed his concern about James’ injury after the match, but stressed that everyone will have to wait to know the outcome of the medical tests that will be conducted for the player.

The UK news agency (BA Media) quoted Potter’s remarks, who said: ‘It is too early to speculate on the nature of the injury but this is the same area that was injured. So we are concerned and will need to see it. within the next 24-48 hours”.

Potter added: James sensed something there and we’ll have to find out the extent of that. It’s frustrating, of course. For now, hopefully, it won’t be that bad.

James suffered a knee problem for the first time last October, during the team’s match against AC Milan in the Champions League.