Shots of Reece James in training this week were met with great joy by Chelsea fans, who didn’t have a lot else to think about in this international break.
Enzo Maresca then got them even more exciting by saying the full back is actually already ready for action:
“He is finally available. He worked with us over the international break. It’s good news, especially for him because being injured is not a good feeling. Finally, he is back,” the former Leicester boss explained.
You can see the coach speaking in the clip embedded here:
"In this moment I think it can be the solution"
Enzo Maresca says Reece James will only be able to play one game a week for the foreseeable future 🔵 pic.twitter.com/Jxve7kh6EH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 18, 2024
James and two teammates on “pitch count”
As Maresca went on to explain, the fact that James is fit doesn’t mean he will start on Sunday, and in fact it doesn’t even mean he’ll get a minute on the pitch. After years of problems, the club are taking the slowest, most careful possible approach with James.
The captain will be restricted to playing just once a week, with colleagues Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana on a similar plan after injury nightmares of their own. The difference is that we can imagine those two eventually being let off the leash a little, and being allowed to play twice a week if the circumstances call for it.
James, unless he can put together a really astonishing run of fitness, will likely be on this treatment plan for years, if not the rest of his career. It’s a little sad – but playing once a week is infinitely preferable to not playing at all.
We all know James is a world class player, and has a history of coming back from long injuries to play well right away. Even with one game a week he could make a difference this year – hell, even one game a month would be worth it if he’s at his best.
