The truth about Reece James’ Chelsea future and the dilemma facing the club next summer: THE SAMI MOKBEL COLUMN

Chelsea’s commitment to Reece James cannot be doubted. Even as the club suffer the repercussions of his latest hamstring blow they are pledging to get to the bottom of the issue in hope of getting him back up and running.

Head coach Enzo Maresca said on Wednesday that there is no recovery timescale for James’ latest setback, though Mail Sport understands the injury – which is believed to be on the same problematic right hamstring that’s caused him so many issues – isn’t as severe as first feared amid hope he could be fit to return by the end of 2024, but more likely early to mid January.

Of course, there will be no temptation to rush him back given what has gone before. Chelsea’s patience is admirable, plenty of clubs would have said enough is enough by now.

But James – for Chelsea – is a special case. Their captain. A player, when injury-free, who’d walk into any squad in Europe.

The heir to Kyle Walker’s place as England’s No 1 right back, though Liverpool fans would disagree, of course.

But the best ability is availability. James has made 45 appearances for Chelsea and England since the start of the 2022-23 season.

Chelsea have remained patient with James, but Enzo Maresca may have a decision to make if his captain’s injury problems persist

In contrast, Declan Rice has made 149 for club and country in that time. With that said, there remains a commitment from Chelsea towards James as they support their beleaguered skipper through another rehabilitation.

Indeed, Chelsea deserve credit for the way they’ve compassionately handled James’ torment. The 24-year-old is described as a sensitive character, the emotional support Chelsea have offered every bit as crucial as the medical expertise.

The latest injury is understood have hit hard from a mental perspective; it’s only natural for James to have reached a low ebb.

Yet, you can’t help but wonder how long this situation can continue without the need to address the elephant in the room.

The indications from Stamford Bridge right now suggest Chelsea aren’t prepared to cut and run just yet. But even for a player of James’ undisputed brilliance, there is surely a point of no return.

Perhaps not for the January transfer window, but ahead of next season – should the plague of injury issues not subside – there are adult conversations to be had.

Because as hard as it may be for both parties to even consider a parting of the ways, there is an argument that such a scenario would be in the interests of all parties.

For Chelsea, James has become a financial commitment that is increasingly difficult to justify, particularly at a time when clubs are keeping an eye on the pennies to comply with the Premier League and Uefa’s stringent financial rules.

Chelsea’s American owners signed off a six-year contract worth £250,000 a week in September 2022. Which ever way you spin it, that is yet to prove value for money.

James earns £250,000-a-week but has struggled to stay fit over the last two years

Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel believes an adult conversation between James and Chelsea may need to take place at some point

Maresca is certainly sympathetic to James’ woes. But Chelsea managers can’t carry passengers – Maresca knows the cost of failure at Stamford Bridge.

Since James’ return from a pre-season hamstring injury, Maresca has admitted his skipper cannot play two games a week.

His training schedule has already been tapered to ensure his body copes with his return to the daily rigours of being a Premier League footballer.

Ledley King, who was a world-class talent blighted endlessly by injuries, rarely trained between matches but there is a physical difference between playing centre half and full back.

Significant allowances have already been made. James has complied with exactly what specialist instructions yet continues to be troubled by the ongoing muscular complaint. That, for everyone involved, is alarming.

We were offered an insight into Maresca’s thoughts about it all ahead of the recent draw against Arsenal, in which the Blues head coach put James on the bench for one of the toughest tests of his reign so far, and brought him on only for the final eight minutes.

What doesn’t work in James’ favour is the position he plays. The role of a modern-day full back is punishing on the body. Bombing up and down the field relentlessly takes it toll, and more so in the Premier League where the pace and brutality of the game is like nowhere else in the world.

So, with all that said, James may benefit from a change of scenery. There would certainly be clubs abroad willing to take James – Real Madrid have long admired the Chelsea star and an eventual move to the Spanish capital seemed a certainty at one point. But it appears Real have diverted their crosshairs to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

James was wanted by Real Madrid at one point, but the Spanish giants now seem to have turned their attention to Trent Alexander-Arnold

Leaving Chelsea would undoubtedly cause a strain for the homegrown kid who worked so hard to make it all the way to being club captain. But recently Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek – all products of Chelsea’s academy – have all moved on to top European clubs.

For now, though, Chelsea and James will continue down what seems the never-ending path of solving why his body has shown such fragility, so he can fulfil his potential at the club where he’s part of the fabric.

But things don’t always work out the way you want them to.

Saudi dreaming of Salah signing

Mohamed Salah is the Saudi Pro League’s ‘dream’ signing next summer.

Liverpool superstar Salah set the cat amongst the pigeons this week with a bombshell interview in which he said he was ‘more out than in’ when asked about a possible new contract.

Salah’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and he was the subject of a failed £150million offer from Saudi club Al-Ittihad in summer 2023.

Nevertheless, Saudi chiefs believe the Egyptian’s return to the Middle East next summer would make financial sense despite what would be a huge cash outlay.

While Salah would be available on a free transfer, his wage package would be astronomical.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s deal with Al Nassr is worth a reported £177million a year, with sources claiming any deal for Salah to join the league would be on a par or even eclipse the figure.

But the marketing power of Salah, one of the most famous and popular figures in the Arab world – returning to the Middle East is a prospect that excites the SPL hierarchy, who believe the 32-year-old’s arrival can be lucrative for the division.

The Saudi Pro League has identified Liverpool’s Mo Salah as their ‘dream’ signing

Moyes was on Leicester wishlist

David Moyes was approached by Leicester after the dismissal of Steve Cooper last weekend before the Foxes eventually landed on Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Moyes, having left West Ham upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last season, is open to returning to work and was of immediate interest to Foxes owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, given the veteran coach’s proven track record of keeping clubs in the Premier League.

With that in mind Moyes is likely to be in the running for multiple Premier League vacancies that may arise in the coming weeks, with ‘sacking season’ just around the corner.

Leicester were interested in appointing David Moyes as their next permanent manager

They have now turned to former Man United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy

Todibo racing to be fit for Arsenal test

West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo’s injury is not serious and he is desperate to be fit to face Arsenal on Saturday.

The centre back limped off during Monday night’s win at Newcastle and head coach Julen Lopetegui will provide a fitness update on his defender on Thursday.

But Mail Sport understands the problem will not keep Todibo on the sidelines for long.

Indeed, the defender is pushing to make himself available for the weekend derby versus Arsenal. Medics won’t take any risks with Todibo and are prepared to make a late call on his availability with Konstantinos Mavropanos on standby to step in.

If Todibo is unfit to face Mikel Arteta’s side, then there is hope he will be back to play against either Leicester on December 3 or Wolves six days later.

Jean-Clair Todibo went off injured at Newcastle but could be fit to face Arsenal this weekend

Esse emerges as Premier League target 

Millwall teenager Romain Esse is emerging as a January target for a host of Premier League sides heading into the January transfer window.

Crystal Palace are among the teams closely monitoring the 19-year-old ahead of the transfer window re-opening on January 1.

However, sources close to the situation insists Palace are not the only top-flight side in the mix for Esse, who has a release clause believed to be in-excess of £12million.

The England Under-20 international is widely viewed as one of the brightest young talents outside the Premier League, scoring four times for the south London side this season.

There are also indications that clubs in the Bundesliga are also taking a keen interest in Esse.

Romain Esse (pictured) could be set for a move to a Premier League club in January

Man City identify Rodri replacements

Manchester City are interested in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Martin Zubimendi as they look to fill Rodri’s void.

Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury has sharpened City’s intention to sign a new central midfielder, with England international Wharton and Real Sociedad playmaker Zubimendi among those on their list of targets.

City originally intended to pursue their interest in a new midfielder next summer but Rodri’s injury is expected to see the Premier League champions consider bringing those plans forward to January as they look to arrest their worrying form.

Meanwhile, Wharton is moving towards his return to action after having an operation to cure the issue that has troubled him since Euro 2024.

It remains to be seen whether Palace would even consider selling their talented youngster leave in January as they look to climb out of the bottom three.

But there is a realisation at Selhurst Park that Wharton will leave for a top club in one of the next four transfer windows if his career trajectory continues to soar.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has been eyed as a potential January target for Man City

City could also move for Martin Zubimendi (pictured) as they aim to fill the void left by Rodri

Keane calms down after fan confrontation

Roy Keane took his foot off the gas following his heated confrontation with a supporter with a trip to country getaway Soho Farmhouse earlier this week.

The former Manchester United captain turned Sky Sports pundit hit the headlines on Sunday after a video emerged of him and a spectator at Portman Road embroiled in an angry exchange.

But the 53-year-old cooled down during the early part of the week at the high-profile Oxfordshire retreat ahead of this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures.

Soho Farmhouse, a members-only establishment, regularly attracts A-listers from the world of sport and entertainment. The Beckhams often frequent the sanctuary, while Prince Harry and Megan Markle have also visited the upmarket hideaway.

However, Keane’s visit was disrupted by flooding in the area which meant many of the haven’s facilities were unavailable to use.

Roy Keane was involved in a heated confrontation with a fan last weekend but has since calmed down

White set for lengthy lay-off

Arsenal defender Ben White’s absence has been pencilled in as three months after undergoing knee surgery.

The versatile 27-year-old had the operation earlier this month to cure a long-standing issue and Mikel Arteta said last month the procedure would keep White on the sidelines for ‘months’.

And Gunners medics believe White returning inside three months will be a bonus but will ultimately be guided by how quickly – and safely – he can complete the stages of recovery.

White has proved a crucial part of Arsenal’s re-emergence as a force in recent seasons, but the availability of Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko – provided they stay fit themselves – means the Gunners should be able to cope without White for now.

Ben White is expected to miss the next three months of action following knee surgery

Coleman to lead Swansea’s January push

Swansea City’s chairman Andy Coleman is set to take a hands-on role during the January transfer window.

Coleman will become de facto director of football at the Swansea.com Stadium until the club find a permanent replacement for Paul Watson – who vacated the role last month.

Coleman’s power at the Championship club has grown significantly in recent days after he and his business partners completed a takeover by purchasing the shares of Steve Kaplan, Jason Levien and Jake Silverstein.

Coleman and fellow investors Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris and Jason Cohen now control more than 80 per cent of Swansea’s shares, after taking the 74.95 percent stake held by Kaplan, Levien and Silverstein.