Reece James Ready to Shine: Chelsea Captain Set to Make Long-Awaited Return
After months of frustrating injuries, Chelsea captain Reece James is finally ready to take the field again. The talented right-back has been sidelined since the penultimate match of the 2023-24 campaign, but coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that James has recovered and is available to face Liverpool on Sunday.
A Season of Struggle
James’ injury woes have been well-documented. The 24-year-old has suffered from frequent muscular injuries, limiting him to just 482 minutes of first-team football last season. In an effort to correct the issue, James underwent surgery in December 2023, only to pick up another hamstring injury during the club’s preseason tour of the United States this summer.
A Cautious Approach
Maresca plans to ease James back into the first-team picture slowly, aware that the player’s body cannot cope with two matches in a week. “It’s complicated when you get injury, injury, injury again – it’s not easy,” Maresca explained. “You’re always looking for a solution.” The coach revealed that he will adopt a similar approach with James as he has with Romeo Lavia and Wes Fofana, limiting their match time to one game per week.
Chelsea’s Unbeaten Away Record on the Line
As Chelsea travel to Anfield, they do so with confidence following their encouraging start to the season. Sitting fourth in the table, the Blues are determined to maintain their unbeaten record away from home. Maresca’s side will be without defenders Marc Cucurella and Fofana, who both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season in the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest before the international break.
Awards and Accolades
Chelsea’s strong start to the season has been recognized with Maresca named the Premier League’s manager of the month for September. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer picked up the player of the month award after scoring five goals and providing one assist in four matches. With James’ return, the Blues will be hoping to continue their impressive form and make a statement against Liverpool on Sunday.
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