Chelsea captain Reece James made a triumphant return to Premier League action, scoring a spectacular 95th-minute free-kick equalizer against Bournemouth that marked the end of his frustrating injury layoff.
"I haven't had that feeling for quite a long time," James expressed after the match, his emotion evident as he punched the air and roared with delight while England manager Thomas Tuchel watched from the stands. The 25-year-old defender's return to form couldn't have come at a more crucial time for the Blues.
The road back to the pitch has been anything but smooth for James. This season alone, hamstring injuries have forced him to miss 21 games, limiting him to just five Premier League appearances. His struggles with knee and recurring hamstring issues have been particularly challenging since being appointed Chelsea captain, managing only eight top-flight starts during his tenure.
"It was lonely and frustrating," James revealed to BBC Radio 5 Live, reflecting on his time away from the game. "I am really happy to be back helping the team." His previous league appearance had been a brief eight-minute showing against Arsenal in November, with his last goal dating back to October 2022 against AC Milan.
The defender's comeback journey began cautiously, with a 45-minute run-out against Morecambe in the FA Cup last Saturday. Against Bournemouth, James entered the fray in the 56th minute, impressing in his defensive duties against the dynamic Antoine Semenyo before delivering his moment of magic.
The decisive moment came when talisman Cole Palmer handed over free-kick responsibilities to James, who repaid the trust by curling a masterful strike from 20 yards out. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised the decision, noting, "Reece can compare with Cole in terms of free-kicks because he is very good. We decided for Reece and he scored and we are all happy, because at least we took a point."
The goal's quality wasn't lost on observers, with former Premier League striker Glenn Murray highlighting its "pace, power and a little bit of swerve." Maresca emphasized the importance of the moment for James, adding, "Now, the target for him is to be fit until the end and he will help us in the way we want to play."
The timing of James's return to form could have broader implications for his international prospects. Having not featured for England since March 2023, the defender spoke confidently about his national team aspirations, stating that manager Tuchel "knows my capabilities." The relationship between James and Tuchel dates back to their successful collaboration at Chelsea, which included James starting in the 2021 Champions League final under the German's guidance.
