Reece James has been left out of Chelsea’s latest squad. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
Chelsea have confirmed that Reece James will miss Thursday’s upcoming match against Panathinaikos in the UEFA Europa Conference League along with other Blues stars.
Enzo Maresca’s side travel to Athens to face the Greek side in their Europa Conference League second leg and will be looking to follow up their 4-2 win against Gent with another three points.
It goes without saying that the Premier League club is much stronger than the rest of the teams in the competition and European nights give Maresca the opportunity to rest several of his best players, while also giving fringe stars a valuable game time.
For the Panathinaikos clash on Thursday, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Chelsea have confirmed that Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson have not traveled to Athens as the Blues head coach eyes their clash with Newcastle this weekend week
This was always part of the plan and Chelsea fans should not fear James’ exclusion as the right-back had just returned from another long-term injury.
Chelsea must play it safe with Reece James
James returned to Chelsea from 11 on Sunday as the defender lined out in the Blues’ 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield after overcoming a hamstring injury.
One game a week should be the most the Englishman plays for some time as Chelsea try to find a way to keep the injury-prone star fit for most of the season. an idea to which Maresca has admitted to being open.
The right-back is a very talented star but his career has been hampered by fitness issues.
Everyone at Stamford Bridge loves the Chelsea Academy graduate and wants to see him fit and reach his potential as one of the best full-backs in the sport.
