Why is star Reece James not playing for Chelsea vs. Palmeiras in FIFA Club World Cup 2025

With Chelsea clashing against Palmeiras at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, fans were shocked after star and captain Reece James was nowhere to be seen.

Reece James has been one of Chelsea’s most influential players since returning from injury during the 2024-25 campaign. With a crucial FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal against Palmeiras on the line, fans were stunned to see James missing from the squad entirely.

Initial lineups released ahead of the 9 PM ET kickoff showed James not only included, but also wearing the captain’s armband for the match. However, the English right back was a late omission from the starting XI.

It was later confirmed that Reece James sustained an injury during warm-ups at Lincoln Financial Field, ruling him out of the contest. While the severity of the issue has yet to be announced, the knock was serious enough to keep him off both the starting lineup and the bench.

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