Enzo Maresca has admitted that Chelsea will probably play a pre-season game without Reece James as he’s suspended for first three games of the season.
James has started all three pre-season games under Maresca as he adapts to a new role under the Italian and looks to build up his match fitness after another extended spell on the sidelines during the last campaign.
In a welcome sight for everyone associated with the club James has come through pre-season unscathed so far and it’s really vital he can remain fit for the upcoming campaign.
Maresca reveals Chelsea will play without James
The 24-year-old spent almost five months out with a hamstring injury last season, which he underwent surgery on and returned at the back end of the campaign as the Blues secured a top six finish.
Unfortunately James picked up a red card against Brighton, his second of the season, meaning he will serve a four match ban with three of those carrying over into the new season.
Maresca has opted to start James in every game so far, but Chelsea will need to try out not playing with him ahead of the new season.
The Italian admitted in the build up to Saturday’s game against Manchester City that he would likely do that but wasn’t sure what game it would be in.
“Yes, probably [prepare to play in pre-season without him]. We will see if it’s tomorrow or one of the games we have ahead. As you said, because he is suspended, we need to try without him,” he told Reporters.
James is facing a critical season given his well documented injury problems of the last few seasons and by his own admission he said his one goal this season was to just stay on the pitch.
A fully fit and firing James is a genuine game changer for the Blues given the quality he possesses and despite the excellence of Malo Gusto Chelsea do miss their captain.
its better not relying to one player . this team are skilled and talented group of players. God Blessed chelsea fc.
With or without Reece James, the sun will or can still rise from the east. There are other options.
Let the players open up enough for one another to expect passes from one another
Am still worried wether maresca will be better than potchetino or worse
Chelsea, mabhinya the real blues! The captain is great but the squad has talent! We should win