CHELSEA STAR REECE JAMES CELEBRATES 200TH APPEARANCE FOR CLUB
Chelsea captain Reece James celebrated his 200th appearance for the club by scoring in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The academy graduate volleyed home to cap a memorable milestone at the City Ground.
Chelsea defeated Forest at the City Ground | AFP via Getty Images
In this afternoon's decisive victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, Chelsea captain Reece James earned his 200th appearance for the Blues and scored to celebrate!
The captain completed an outstanding individual effort, which included assisting Pedro Neto's goal, by volleying in late to give the Blues a 3-0 lead.
James, a lifelong Chelsea fan, began training with the Blues when he was just six years old. After advancing through our development centre program, he joined the Cobham Academy and excelled there.
As captain of the Under-18s during the 2017–18 season, he won the FA Youth Cup and was awarded Academy Player of the Season. After an outstanding loan at Wigan Athletic, James was incorporated into Frank Lampard's first-team lineup.
His spectacular equaliser in a 4–4 Champions League draw with Ajax was one of the highlights of an outstanding debut season, which also included a goal against Grimsby Town on his Chelsea debut.
During his second season in the senior squad, James continued to improve and became one of the best full-backs in the world. And after playing a key role in the team's decisive victory over Manchester City in Porto, he concluded the 2020–21 season as the Champions League champion.
James was appointed captain of our men's team before the 2023–2024 season after establishing himself as a key member at Stamford Bridge. Since since, he has donned the armband, and last season, he gladly accepted the Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League titles.
Reece, congrats on hitting yet another Chelsea milestone!
GOAL OF MONTH SHORTLIST INCLUDES WOLTEMADE’S BRILLIANT STRIKE
Newcastle's German star Leon Woltemade is nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month for his superb flick against Brighton. Vote now for the summer signing's improvised Amex finish.
Woltemade receives Goal of the Month nomination - Credit: Getty Images
Earlier this month, the Magpies fell 2-1 against Brighton, but the German international's incredible flick tied the score.
However, the summer acquisition, who has scored six goals for United since joining from Stuttgart in the summer, grabbed attention at the Amex Stadium with a superb improvised finish from Lewis Miley's low cross.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth, Zian Flemming and Loum Tchaouna of Burnley, Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Aston Villa's Emi Buendia, and Mo Salah of Liverpool are also on the shortlist.
Supporters of the Magpies may cast their votes for Woltemade by visiting here, and voting will begin at 1 pm GMT on Thursday, October 30. The winner will be revealed on Friday, November 7th at 1 pm GMT.
HUGE LISANDRO MARTINEZ UPDATE EMERGES AS UNITED PREPARE FOR FOREST ENCOUNTER
Manchester United receive a major boost as Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training. The Argentine defender has been out since February with a knee injury and is now closing in on a first-team return.
Martinez injury boost lifts United spirits ahead of Nottingham Forest trip - COURTESY/PHOTO
Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training, giving Manchester United a significant conditioning boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to first-team training for Manchester United, giving them a significant fitness boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Due to a serious knee injury sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, the Argentina international has not played for the 20-time English champions since early February.
However, Martinez has been speeding up his recuperation in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, the former Ajax centre-back was allowed to rejoin his teammates for training.
It is extremely doubtful that Martinez will play for Man United when they travel to Forest on Saturday, but the 27-year-old might return to the team for the match against Tottenham Hotspur on November 9.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United resumes training with the first team.
According to Man United head coach Ruben Amorim, "He’s feeling fine," last week. "I do not want to mention a single day or week because the knee is doing so wonderfully.
"I am not sure, but the team's training is about to begin. After that, Licha's rhythm will determine whether he places or not, but he is closer to starting training again.
The Red Devils will not be taking any chances with the Argentine because of the severity of the injury, and his return may be postponed until after the international break in November.
Luke Shaw's place in the starting lineup is now seriously threatened; therefore, Martinez's return is a significant boost for the 20-time English champions. Martinez is an expert in the left-sided role in the back three.
After joining Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the South American has made 91 appearances for the Red Devils, tallying three goals and three assists.