Mark Lawrenson urges Chelsea to stick with injury-ravaged star

Chelsea's impressive start to the season has only been missing one vital ingredient - a return to first-team action for captain Reece James. 

The Blues right-back is yet to feature for the club this season after suffering a hamstring injury in pre-season and Enzo Maresca offered no update on James ahead of their clash against Brighton on Saturday. 

James' continued absence has put his future at the club in doubt, but speaking to Sports Casting, former Ireland defender Mark Lawrenson believes Chelsea should stick by their skipper. 

Lawrenson said: “When Reece James plays, he’s outstanding, but he can't reach full fitness at the moment and without that, what have you got?

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"I think Chelsea have just got to live with his injury situation now, I feel for the player as it looks like he can’t get back to full fitness– he’s such a great player. I wouldn’t worry about the captaincy situation with him now as there isn’t a whole lot that you can do until a transfer window opens.

“Chelsea aren’t exactly going to be inundated with offers for him if he can’t stay fit. I hope he gets back to full fitness and finds the form that we know that he is capable of.”

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