Enzo Maresca has said Reece James is ready to play 90 minutes for Chelsea and has suggested a change in role could help the defender’s injury issues.
James played the second half of Chelsea’s 5-0 win over Morecambe at the weekend as the club captain returns from a hamstring issue. It’s the latest return for James, who has been plagued by fitness problems in recent seasons.
Hosting Bournemouth in the #PL tomorrow. 🏡 pic.twitter.com/dQGG143N6F
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Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Bournemouth, Maresca said James was ready to return to the starting side. He also outlined his belief that a preference for inverted full-backs could reduce the physical demands on the 24-year-old in his side.
“Yes they [Reece James and Romeo Lavia] are available [for 90 minutes]. I said since we start we are going to manage both because they are a bit [of a] delicate situation,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
On managing James, Maresca added “For sure, using a full-back in that way – up and down – you spend more energy. But I’m not a fan of full-back [going] up and down, our full-backs we don’t use them up and down.
“Only game we do that was Crystal Palace, where we don’t use full back inverted for a reason, but I’m not a fan of full-back up and down.”
Maresca also confirmed his desire for more central full-backs is the reason behind the decision to drop Ben Chilwell. The left-back is currently exploring his options after a lack of football this season.
“He has been top. Very professional. He works hard. I feel shame because of the situation but, in terms of behaviour, he has been very good,” Maresca said on Chilwell.
“First of all because it is my choice. Reason why I said probably because I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucrella doing different kind of job during the game.
“I think Chilwell is a top full-back, doing that job up and down and given opportunity in past to win titles and be in national team, but I struggle to see Ben doing different kind of things.”
