Mauricio Pochettino has now claimed he is unsure if he can start Reece James for Chelsea’s huge Premier League game against Tottenham.
He said in his pre-match press conference that while he got through the EFL Cup tie unscathed, he could not be certain that he will start the London derby on Monday.
James was back in the starting side for the first time since the opening day of the season as the Blues booked their place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.
He got through an hour before being replaced, with the manager claiming he was feeling fatigued when he was forced off.
His presence on the pitch though was quickly felt, as the 23-year-old starred both in attack and defence against the lower-league opposition.
Supporters will be pleading that he is fit and ready to face Spurs on Monday, with their close rivals currently sitting unbeaten at the top of the table.
Pochettino has admitted though that he is currently unsure whether the England international will be able to start.
He said: “I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see if he’s available. It was good for him to start a game after a few months, he’s a very important player.”
Chelsea will go into this game as underdogs for sure, however can be encouraged by the performances they have put in so far this season against the better teams in the league.
Just a few weeks ago, they drew 2-2 with Arsenal, although dominated the game for the majority of the 90 minutes.
James was only fit enough to make the bench that day, and his presence in the side as club captain could be huge to inspire a key win in North London.
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