Chelsea fans have some good news! Captain Reece James is set to return to the squad, but coach Enzo Maresca is adopting a cautious approach.
He plans to use the right back only once a week to prevent any further injury setbacks.
This is a significant development, especially as Chelsea prepares for their match against Liverpool this Sunday.
Ready to Make His Season Debut
This Sunday marks a special moment for James, who will be eligible to play for the first time this season.
After enduring a frustrating period on the sidelines, the England international is eager to hit the pitch and clock his first minutes of the campaign.
James has worked hard to get back to full fitness, engaging in individual training sessions at Cobham to ensure he’s ready.
Managing James’s Fitness
Maresca addressed the situation ahead of the Liverpool clash, expressing relief at James’s return.
He acknowledged how tough it has been for the player, stating, “He’s available; finally, he is back. He worked all through the international break, which is great news for him because being injured is no fun.”
The coach emphasized the importance of careful management, noting that, for now, James’s body isn’t ready for the rigors of back-to-back matches.
This mirrors the approach taken with other players like Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana, who are also being used sparingly to maintain their health.
Filling the Void
While James has been out, Malo Gusto has stepped up as the right back, and other players like Fofana and Axel Disasi have filled in as makeshift full backs.
With a demanding schedule ahead, James’s return is a timely boost for Chelsea.
They’re gearing up for a challenging series of matches, including a visit to Anfield and subsequent games against Panathinaikos, Newcastle twice, Manchester United, Noah, and Arsenal before the next international break in November.
A Season of Challenges
James’s situation is particularly poignant given that he only managed to start five Premier League games last season due to injury issues, including a surgery in December.
His rehabilitation even took him to Doha, where he was supported by Chelsea’s medical staff.
Now, with his availability, Maresca can also explore the option of using James as an inverted full back, a role similar to what Marc Cucurella has been doing, drifting into central positions from the left.
What’s Next for Chelsea?
As Chelsea heads into a busy period, fans will be watching closely to see how James integrates back into the team.
With his leadership and skill, his presence could be just what Chelsea needs to navigate this challenging stretch.
Let’s see how the team performs against Liverpool and beyond!
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