Mauricio Pochettino has spoken out about Reece James’ latest setback (Picture: Getty)
Mauricio Pochettino has fired a message to Chelsea captain Reece James, who he feels has had a ‘very difficult season’ after news of his latest injury.
James is facing up to four months on the sidelines after it was decided that he would require surgery on his hamstring problem.
The England international right-back says he has received a lot of ‘hate and negativity’ since his latest injury setback.
James has made just nine appearances this term amid his struggles with fitness and Chelsea head coach Pochettino was quizzed about the defender’s mental state in his press conference on Friday.
‘I think he feels well [mentally],’ Pochettino said ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Wolves on Christmas Eve.
‘We were talking and he has started his recovery, he is one day closer to being with the group.
‘This is really positive, we are all positive around him and we are going to help. It is always tough for a player with a very complicated, very difficult season for him.
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‘But now is the process for recovery. One day less until he is part of the group and we are going to take it in a positive way and it’s the start of solving the problem and helping him to be strong, be positive, because it is an important thing.’
James has made 156 senior appearances for Chelsea to date since coming through the club’s academy.
The 24-year-old has frequently been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid but the Blues have no desire to let him go.
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