Chelsea's Reece James has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons.(Image: Getty Images)

Reece James may face emotional Chelsea dilemma as Cole Palmer shows true colours ahead of transfer

The latest Chelsea news and opinion as we take a look at some of the stories doing the rounds during the second international break of the Premier League season.

13 Oct 2024, 03:00 by Amie Wilson · football.london

We are in the midst of the second international break of the season as several Chelsea players represent their nations around the world.

For Enzo Maresca, it’s a chance to work with members of his squad who have stayed at Cobham over the break. The Italian is continuing to implement his ideas on the squad as they continue their development.

It’s been a successful few weeks for the team. However, their five game winning run was ended before the break in a 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea face one of the toughest tests of the season upon their return as they travel to Anfield to take on current Premier League leaders Liverpool. Ahead of that game, Maresca was named as manager of the month for September, while Cole Palmer was named player of the month.

As we wait for the game against Liverpool, there has, as ever, been stories doing the rounds. football.london have taken a look at just a couple and given our own thoughts.

Reece James transfer claim

Both Barcelona and Benfica have been contacted by the agent of Chelsea captain Reece James over a possible transfer, according to Football Transfers . The full-back’s season has been plagued with injuries, with his last appearance coming as a substitute in the 2-1 win against Brighton back in May, a game where he was shown a red card.

According to the report, James has been advised that a move to a warmer climate as well as the slower pace of European football, compared to that of the Premier League will aid his recovery and long-term fitness. A move would therefore help him extend his career at the top level.

FL Says : James is one of the best full-backs in the league when fit with the captain a big miss for Chelsea when he is absent. The good news for the Blues is that he is due to return to training soon, although a return date is yet to be set.

Having missed so much football over the last few years, it will take a while for him to get back up to speed and trust his body again. James will be hoping that this is the season he can play regularly without him breaking down again.

While it would be a heart-breaking decision to make, a move to warmer climates to try and overcome the problems could be an option should he not successfully make a comeback this campaign.

Palmer’s exciting prediction

Cole Palmer is one of many people associated with Chelsea to be keeping an eye on the progress of Estevao this season. And the Brazilian has received encouragement from his future teammate.

The 17-year-old will join Chelsea from Palmeiras in the upcoming summer transfer window. He has been catching eyes with his performances, being involved in seven goals in four games before a hamstring injury last month.

He made his comeback with a substitute appearance against RB Bragantino earlier this month. When scoring, Estevao has turned to a familiar celebration, and that led to an interaction with Palmer on social media.

“When I signed for Chelsea, the next day I scored a goal and celebrated like Palmer. His celebration was trend, very popular,” he told the Guardian .

“We talked on social media, I tagged him on Instagram, he called me a star, I said he’s a star too. He said we’re going to do a lot of great things together for Chelsea.”

FL says : Palmer already taking Estevao under his wing before he has even joined the club is good news for both the player and Chelsea. The winger will be just 18 when he leaves his country to join Chelsea, and that must be daunting for a young player, but to have the support from players like Palmer will make the transition a lot easier.

The teenager has a lot of potential. If he can live up to that at Stamford Bridge, then there will be a lot of excitement for seeing him and Palmer link up in coming years.

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