Chelsea captain Reece James is out injured again – a regular occurrence in the last two years.

Reece James, although well talented and rated as one of the best right-backs in the world, has had limited minutes since last season due to his repeated injury problems.

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has questioned the decision to appoint Reece James as captain due to his injury problems.

“The most damning thing you can say about Reece James is that you’re surprised when he’s on a teamsheet,” Deeney told talkSPORT.

“If he’s got injury problems which he clearly has, it’s unfortunate. Sometimes it’s just the way your body is. Some people train their best and they just break down.

“But it just seems to me that he always breaks down. I thought it was strange to make him captain if I’m being totally honest for the reason that he’s never fit and available.”

on James’ long-term Chelsea future, Deeney added: “I think he’s in last chance saloon as to whether he will be at Chelsea.

“Where he goes after that is a massive struggle because he might end up, to a lesser scale, in the Jack Wilshere mould where he has to go to a Bournemouth on a pay-as-you-play type deal.

“Within two years he could be out of the game and it’s a shame because he’s clearly talented and a very good player but you have to be fit and available or there’s no point having all that talent.”