Reece James suspended for Chelsea’s first three games of next season
Chelsea’s star defender Reece James will be forced to sit out the opening trio of Premier League clashes in the upcoming 2024/25 season following a four-game ban slapped on him.
The suspension comes as a consequence of a red card he received during Chelsea’s recent encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 24-year-old found himself in hot water after a VAR review uncovered his involvement in an act of violent conduct against Brighton’s Joao Pedro.
The incident occurred late in the game, with James retaliating to a foul by Pedro with a kick, resulting in his dismissal from the field.
This isn’t the first time James has faced disciplinary issues this season. Having already missed a considerable chunk of Chelsea’s league campaign due to injuries and prior suspensions, his absence in crucial fixtures has been a point of concern for the team.
Earlier in the season, James received a red card during a clash with Newcastle in December, adding to his list of offenses that led to suspensions.
His disciplinary track record also includes a ban for inappropriate conduct towards a match official in a match against Aston Villa in October.
The ban means that Chelsea will have to navigate through their initial Premier League fixtures without the services of their influential defender.
With James sidelined, the team will need to rely on other options to fill the defensive void and maintain their competitive edge in the early stages of the new season.
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