Reece James will return to Chelsea this week. (Photos by Jeff Dean and Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that his captain Reece James will be part of the Blues’ squad to face Liverpool this weekend and the Italian also spoke about how he can keep the right-back fit .
James is undoubtedly one of the most talented wing-backs in the Premier League and he is loved by everyone at Chelsea. However, the The 24-year-old’s career has been plagued by injuries and has prevented him from reaching his potential.
The England star is yet to feature for the west London club this season, who follow a miserable campaign last time out as the right-back made just 11 appearances.
Chelsea face the daunting task of traveling to Anfield on Sunday to face an in-form Liverpool side and ahead of that clash, Maresca has confirmed that James will be part of his squad.
Speaking to the media during his press conference On Friday, the Italian coach said when asked if James would be available: “He is available. Finally, it’s back. He worked with all of us throughout the international break. It’s good news, especially for him, because being injured is not a good feeling.”
This will be great news for Blues fans and what’s even better is that Maresca may have a solution to keep their captain off the injury list.
Enzo Maresca has an idea to keep Chelsea captain Reece James fit
Now that James is back, the onus is on Chelsea to try to keep the defender fit and Maresca believes playing the 24-year-old just once a week can be a solution.
“At this moment, it can be the solution: one game a week. In the future? I don’t know”, said the Italian coach via Fabrizio Romano. “If we want to build its physical solution, it is to go slowly, slowly to use it once a week.”
Whether that will work is unknown, as James will want to play every game as he feels his body getting stronger. For now, it’s a good idea as Chelsea fans just want to see their captain fit and play for their club once more.