Reece James: Chelsea defender shakes off ‘lonely and frustrating’ injuries to score equaliser

James has suffered from knee and recurring hamstring problems over the past few seasons.

Since being named Chelsea captain at the start of last campaign, he has started just eight top-flight games.

His previous league appearance had been an eight-minute strike against Arsenal in November, with his last goal coming against AC Milan in October 2022.

On Saturday, the England international returned from his latest two-month setback when he played 45 minutes against Morecambe in the FA Cup.

With his playing time under control, he came on in the 56th minute against Bournemouth and generally impressed against difficult winger Antoine Semenyo.

However, James’ biggest impact on Tuesday was in front of goal.

Talisman Cole Palmer handed free-kick duties to James, who rewarded his team-mate’s trust by curling in from 20 yards out.

“Reece can compare with Cole in terms of free-kicks because he is very good,” Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said. “We decided on Reece and he scored and we’re all happy because at least we got a point.”

It was an attack that had “pace, power and a little bit of swing”, according to former Premier League striker Glenn Murray.

“He deserved it, those moments are difficult for any player,” Maresca added.

“Now the aim for him is to be fit until the end and he will help us in the way we want to play.”