Well, that was enjoyable while it lasted.

Chelsea went practically the entire month of preseason without sustaining any significant injuries.

But, with a week before opening day, The Athletic has exclusively reported tonight that Reece James has sustained a hamstring injury after feeling “some discomfort” in training earlier this week. The ailment is described as “minor”, yet as we all know, there is no such thing as a mild hamstring injury. At best, it will take many weeks of diligent treatment. At worst, it’s a chronic problem that lasts for months and may require season-ending surgery.

It’s unclear if this “new injury” is on the same leg that James elected to have surgery on last season after suffering from similar-sounding hamstring injuries for the previous two years.

According to the source, September 14 is “a possible return date,” which would occur immediately following the new season’s first international break. James is suspended for the first three domestic games of the season (a continuation of his four-match suspension from the penultimate match of last season), although he could have played in our two-legged Conference League playoff against SC Braga or Servette FC.