This weekend was wild with speculation surrounding the immediate injury future of Chelsea right back Reece James.
The England international has been playing with a slight knee injury in recent matches, and it appeared to have gotten worse.
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The Athletic ran a story suggesting that Chelsea were considering sending James for surgery on his knee as a result. But thankfully it appears this decision has been avoided after further tests, and he will just be rested for a few games instead.
Chelsea have a more than experienced and competent backup in the shape of club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, and naturally he will come in and start at right back for the next few games.
However, as cover for him Chelsea aren’t filled with options. Fikayo Tomori has played at right back, as has Antonio Rudiger – but one is almost certainly out the door on a loan move very soon, and the other also has an unclear future. On top of that, neither of them were very convincing in that position.
The natural option and next in line would be Chelsea’s U23 right back, Valentino Livramento, who has really been making a name for himself in the youth ranks over the last couple of seasons, especially this year.
The 18-year old England U20 full back is largely considered as being ready for senior football by those within the ranks at the club, and he is one of those players who plays with maturity beyond his years. You just know that if he does get called up for backup, he will be completely composed and unfazed.
As I said, Lampard might prefer to have a more senior option on the bench and use a makeshift right back. But for me, I can see Livramento being called up to at least sit the bench and provide cover for Azpilicueta until James is fit again.
This kid is another who has a massive future in the game and he brings all the perfect qualities that a modern day full back needs.
