Chelsea player who “lives at the training ground” reaches important 1 year milestone | OneFootball

This time a year ago, Chelsea were about to lose 2-0 to Ipswich as their mid-season wobble went from minor to major.

One positive feature of that day was the return of Reece James to the matchday squad. In the year since, one minor illness aside, the full back has stayed fit. Considering his record in the years before that, that’s an impressive feat.

The Athletic took a look at how the club have managed to get their captain and key player back to playing regularly.

James’ treatment is working at last

Reece James celebrates scoring against Newcastle. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The methods are pretty simple really – don’t play him too often, and play him in a less demanding way. Combining those things and treating him carefully have produced very positive results.

“The club’s medical team, led by Bryce Cavanagh, have managed James carefully. Ben Macdonald, one of Chelsea’s rehab physios, has been tasked with working closely with James on his fitness and the two have developed a strong rapport.”

They also have a quote from a physio who points out that there is a circular effect to it too – you’ve got to get fit and play in order to build up the “robustness” to be able to keep playing. The more you play, the stronger and fitter you get to resist further injuries.

A source also notes that James has worked so hard himself that it’s like “he lives at the training ground” as he continues to do all he can to keep in good shape.

In other news…

Chelsea’s dropping of points at home has been a real problem this season, and we’ve now got the stats to prove it.

Axel Disasi remains a player in Chelsea’s now much reduced bomb squad, and one they would love to shift in January. There is talk of Leeds interest – but it remains to be seen whether anything will come of it.