Chelsea captain Reece James has been forced to withdraw from the England national team squad for this month’s international fixtures after sustaining an injury during the Premier League clash against Liverpool.
The right-back, who has been carefully managed by Enzo Maresca since the Italian took charge of Chelsea at the start of the 2024/25 season, has struggled with fitness issues in recent months. Maresca has consistently adopted a cautious approach with James to prevent recurring setbacks, given his history of muscle-related injuries.
However, the club’s supporters will be anxiously hoping that the latest setback is only minor and that their captain can return to full fitness before the international break concludes.
On Instagram, James revealed that he had sustained a deep gash on his leg, likely caused by the studs of an opposing player during the encounter against Liverpool. The post hinted that his withdrawal from the national team may have been a precautionary decision, particularly as England’s upcoming fixtures are not of major competitive importance.
The Chelsea skipper had initially been included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the October internationals against Wales and Latvia, but will now sit out as he focuses on recovery. In his absence, Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly has received his first-ever senior call-up, stepping up from the Under-21s to join the Three Lions squad.
O’Reilly, who has been part of City’s academy since the age of eight, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, making 21 appearances and scoring five goals as he established himself within Pep Guardiola’s first-team setup. The young midfielder was also included in City’s Club World Cup squad during the summer and has already made nine appearances so far this season, further showcasing his development and maturity.
England are set to host Wales at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, October 9, 2025, before traveling to Riga to face Latvia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
While Reece James’s absence is undoubtedly a blow for both club and country, the decision to rest him could prove beneficial in the long run, especially with Chelsea keen to have their captain fully fit for the crucial fixtures that follow the international break.