Prior to the October international break, Chelsea’s next two games are probably going to feature the absence of at least two first-team players. One of those missing is Kellyman, who played a couple of games for the Under-21s in Premier League 2 before suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the entire month of September. Reece James, the captain of the team, has not yet appeared in a competitive game under Maresca this year. On his social media accounts, he has provided an update regarding his injury, indicating that he plans to return to action as soon as possible.
James made just 11 appearances in all competitions during the 2023–24 season, including an 11–minute cameo in May against Nottingham Forest. In the five preseason games that Chelsea played in the United States, against Wrexham, Celtic, Club America, Manchester City, and Real Madrid, James started every game. Despite his minor hamstring injury, he was substituted in the 70th minute of their 2-1 loss to the 15-time Champions League winners. James only started five games during the 2023–24 season because he underwent surgery on his left leg in December. Prior to Brighton’s Premier League visit, Maresca gave the following update: Reece is the only person who is missing. He is still absent, and as of right now, there is no meaningful update on him. James took to Instagram at the start of October to provide the latest update on his injury. He posted seven images, including one with Enzo Fernandez above a caption which read: “Long story short I’m doing well. Hope to see you soon.”
The Italian manager stated one week prior, on September 20, that the English right-back won’t be rushed back into first-team action. He stated: Two years ago, Omari Kellyman from Derby County was signed by Aston Villa for a sum of £600,000. The 18-year-old, who has represented England’s youth team, raised eyebrows when Chelsea paid £19 million for him after he had only made six appearances in the first team. As part of a “PSR loophole,” which allowed clubs to sell academy players to other Premier League teams for “pure profit” on the balance sheet, this transaction was one of many that were finished before the deadline of June 30. Kellyman has not played for the Blues as a senior since switching teams, but he has made two Premier League 2 appearances for the Under-21s. Before his most recent match, which he managed to play 59 minutes against Everton Under-21s, he played 45 minutes against the youth of Tottenham Hotspur. But in early September, the youthful midfield player suffered a hamstring injury that has prevented him from playing since. Football.london issued a warning on September 2nd, stating that Kellyman was expected to be sidelined for at least two months due to a hamstring injury.
He was also ruled out of Maresca’s squad for the pre-season tour of the US due to a knock and was linked with a loan move to Birmingham City. The injury scuppered these plans, though, and he will be hoping to make a full return to fitness ahead of the January transfer window.
