‘Whisper is in good shape’
Craig Butler confirms Dujuan Richards’ return from injury
Craig Butler, agent of Jamaica international and Chelsea forward Dujuan “Whisper” Richards, has confirmed the teen’s return to training following a lengthy injury setback.
“He has been back in training for some time,” Butler told the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday after the startlet shared photos of himself participating in a Chelsea training session on social media.
“He’s back in training now with the squad and we are looking forward to great things from him,” Butler added.
There had been public concern over the length of Richards’ rehabilitation, but Butler assured that the process was part of a measured approach by the club to ensure his full recovery.
“They wanted to make sure that it was gradual and he was properly built and recovered properly. He is in good shape,” Butler said.
Butler added that during a recent visit to Jamaica, Richards trained with his former team at Phoenix Academy and showed no signs of discomfort.
“When he came to Jamaica, he came to train with us [Phoenix Academy] as well and he looked fine.”
Chelsea secured Richards’ signature in 2023, with the player officially joining the London club in November after celebrating his 18th birthday. By the end of the 2023/24 season, his first with the
club’s youth team, the promising forward had netted seven goals in eight starts and five appearances off the bench, making a strong impression on the coaching staff.
“He has remained very, very high on the club’s list,” Butler noted. “You don’t go to an organisation [like Chelsea] straight from an academy in Jamaica and immediately you are player of the month twice and not be.
“He played 10 games, scoring seven goals, with assists in the Premier League 2, he is an exceptional talent. Whisper is not a normal player and he will never be a normal player,” Butler said.
Looking ahead, Butler confirmed that Richards is keen to represent Jamaica in the upcoming final round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers set to begin in September.
“Jamaica should be grateful to have a player like that and they should seek to include him in the squad of the World Cup qualifiers.”
