Manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed Reece James is in contention to feature against Liverpool after returning to full team training earlier this week.
James has not played any competitive games in the 2024/25 season due to an injury sustained during pre-season.
However, the Blues captain returned to full team training on Monday and has been a regular feature in this week’s sessions at Cobham.
Maresca was asked in Friday afternoon’s pre-match press conference whether there were any injury concerns ahead of Sunday’s game against Liverpool, and finally about James’ availability.
Our head coach said, “No, we finally have everyone available.” So, except for the suspended team, we have everyone available. ”
He continued: “He’s available. He’s finally back. He’s worked with us all through the international break and it’s good news for him, especially since he’s not feeling well with his injury. So, finally he’s back. i’m back.”
“It’s always complicated when you have an injury and it’s not easy,” he added.
“So you’re always looking for solutions, right? A possible solution with Reese is to use it only once a week and (play) one game, to Romeo (LaVia) and Wes (Fofana). It’s the same solution we’re using, probably because at this moment, for various reasons, Reese’s body just can’t play with it twice a week.
“So maybe one of the solutions is to try to manage him the same way we’re doing with Wes and Romeo.”
Asked if using James once a week is a long-term or short-term solution, Maresca said, “I think that could be a solution at this point.” In the future, I don’t know.
“But if you want to build something with him in terms of physicality and fitness, maybe the solution is to let him practice slowly, let him use him once a week, and in the future use him more in the week. “I would like to be able to use it.” But for now, we’ll probably need to use him once a week. ”
Chelsea will miss this weekend’s games as Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are suspended for one match.
