Chelsea’s current management still rate Reece James highly as both a player and a leader and want to see him playing regularly according to Fabrizio Romano amid links with a move to Real Madrid.
James has been plagued by injury issues over the past few seasons which has drastically reduced his game time on the pitch.
The 24-year-old was limited to just 11 appearances in all competitions after being sidelined for nearly five months with a hamstring injury which he underwent surgery on.
Romano provides Reece James update
James played a prominent role in pre-season as Maresca looked to build his fitness and match sharpness up ahead of the new campaign.
The England international appeared to come through the tour of America unscathed and despite being suspended for the first three games of the season it looked like he would start the season fit.
However, it was reported before Chelsea’s final pre-season game against Inter Milan that James had suffered a minor hamstring issue.
The right back subsequently hasn’t featured once this season and the club have been very coy on when he might return to action.
James posted an update on his social media on Tuesday evening saying he was doing well and hoped to see everyone soon.
There have been recent stories linking James with a move to Real Madrid but Romano has provided clarity on the situation.
“I can guarantee that the current management is still rating Reece highly as a player & a leader! he said on his YouTube channel.
“In the dressing room, they remain happy with him too; they love him! The player is happy. They all want to see him play regularly.”
Chelsea fans will be desperate to see Reece James back in action but it’s clear the club aren’t taking any risks with him and will only play him when he’s in the best condition possible.
In James’ absence Malo Gusto has excelled and his form has meant that whilst James is a miss it’s nowhere near as big a problem as it has been in the past.