Reece James provides injury update as Chelsea captain teases return from latest setback - after playing just 413 minutes since start of last season

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Chelsea captain Reece James has offered fans hope he could soon return to action with positive update on his recovery from injury.

James has been plagued with injuries over the past two campaigns, making just 16 Premier League appearances in the 2022-23 season.

He was then restricted to just 413 minutes last term having been named club captain ahead of the season.

Reports last month claimed James had suffered a setback in his recovery from a latest hamstring issue, amid suggestions it had failed to heal as expected.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had admitted James' comeback has been delayed, adding he had there was no timeframe for his return.

Reece James has shared a promising update concerning his possible return from injury

James shared a series a photos on social media and declared 'hope to see you soon'

The defender shared a photo with designer Olaolu Slawn during his update to supporters

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The 24-year-old has now offered optimism with a social media post to supporters.

James shared a series of photos in an update on Instagram, including being pictured with fellow Blues star Enzo Fernandez.

Another photo saw him posing with Chelsea shirts with designer Olaolu Slawn.

James including the message 'long story short I’m doing well. Hope to see you soon.'

One of the photos also included the message 'Life always gets crazy before blessings come. Lock in.'

James' update not only received attention from Chelsea fans, with several Blues stars expressing their excitement about his upcoming return to action.

Fernandez, who has been Chelsea's captain in James' absence responded with 'VAAAAMOS HERMANO!!!!'

Stand-in Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez sent a supportive message following James' update

James was restricted to just 413 minutes of action last season amid hamstring injuries

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added 'can't wait', while James' sister Lauren - who plays for Chelsea's women's team - reacted with a heart emoji.

James picked up the current injury this summer after a prolonged spell on the sidelines recovering from hamstring surgery in December 2023. 

He did make two cameo appearances back in May totalling 30 minutes, but his injury issues meant he was never in the race to make the Euro 2024 squad with England.

James had featured for Chelsea during their summer tour of the USA but is yet to feature for the London club in the Premier League so far this season.

The 24-year-old fullback has suffered a torrid time with hamstring injuries throughout his career, which has undoubtedly prevented him from achieving the full potential of his prodigious talent as yet.

James had confidence that his fortunes would turn around in the summer of 2023 as he posted a picture of himself on X, with the caption: 'New era loading... ps. We just getting started.'

James is hoping to bounce back from a series of injuries which have hampered his progress 

James has started 118 games across all competitions in his Blues career, with 81 of those coming in the Premier League.

His problems in the professional ranks started after an ankle injury while playing for England at the Toulon Tournament in June 2019.

Since then, James has been sidelined with knee, thigh, and ankle problems, with his hamstrings a particular area of concern.

As well as missing Euro 2024, he was also absent from the 2022 World Cup squad after suffering a knee injury in the build-up.