As far as luck goes, Reece James has it really bad.
The 23-year-old defender has suffered yet another injury setback, with the Chelsea defender being forced to withdraw from the England squad to take on Ukraine this evening (Sunday) because of a 'minor hamstring problem'. James has missed a total of 19 matches this season (all competitions) due to being either injured or suffering from illness.
What that has meant for Chelsea is that they have been without arguably their most important player for over half of the games they have played this term. Graham Potter hasn't been able to use James for a lot of the time since he took over in September from Thomas Tuchel, something that will have undoubtedly had a negative impact on the side's form.
READ MORE: Graham Potter dealt Chelsea injury blow as Reece James withdraws from England squad
It's meant Potter has had to use either Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back, or right wing-back depending on what formation the side were using, or Ruben Loftus-Cheek who is a natural central midfielder. The right-back spot is a position Chelsea supporters have been calling out to be addressed in recent transfer windows with it being clear to them that James needs support in that role.
The issue is because James is that good, who would want to come and essentially play second fiddle to the England international? Well, Chelsea sorted the issue in the January transfer window with the club agreeing the transfer of Malo Gusto from Lyon.
The talented 19-year-old, who had plenty of interest from elsewhere in his signature, chose Chelsea because of his belief in the long-term project at the club and his excitement and desire to be a part of it. Gusto, however, will remain at Lyon until the end of the season on a loan deal, with the French club desperate to keep him for the rest of their campaign. It's something Chelsea didn't want to happen, but a compromise they were willing to make.
The problem for this season remains, though, with Chelsea facing a critical remainder of the campaign. Their hopes of a top-four finish are all but gone, although Potter and his players will not give up on the task, but the Champions League will be the club's main focus now.
It remains unclear at this stage whether James' withdrawal from the England squad is just a precaution or it's more serious than that, but Chelsea will be desperate for the right-back to recover in time for next month's double-header against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final. Vinicius Jr has been in sensational form this season for Los Blancos and remains one of the toughest wingers to face in the world of football. Without James marking him, it could spell really bad news for the Blues.
Potter will do everything he can to wrap James up before the two legs and ensure he is at full fitness to face Real. Next season, Chelsea will be in a much better position if James was to miss games through injury, but their compromise in the January transfer window – which is bound to pay off in the long term – means they are once again in trouble in the right-back position.
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