Chelsea captain Reece James has handed Enzo Maresca a massive boost by returning to first-team training.
Reece James has been out injured with a hamstring problem and is yet to play a game under Enzo Maresca this season.
However, the defender is training again and will be hoping to make the bench on Sunday when Chelsea take on Liverpool.
It is a match that may come too soon for James, though, with Chelsea likely to be cautious with him after all of his injury issues. Last week, journalist Matt Law revealed that this was the week that James would return to training.
Chelsea fans react to Reece James return
It is fair to say that Chelsea fans are buzzing about the news of James training at Cobham on Monday.
Upon hearing about the 24-year-old’s return, many took to X to claim that he is the best right-back in the world.
@cfc_kingkal said: “The best RB in the world. Good to have you back.”
@darwincarrera also said: “Best RB in the world.”
And finally, @Olaz01 wrote: “The best RB in the world is backkkkk.”
Despite talk of a possible move to Barcelona, James’ focus has always been on getting fit again.
When will Reece James make his first start of the season?
Again, even being named on the bench for Chelsea’s game against Liverpool may come too soon, so it would be a shock if James started that match.
After that, Chelsea play Panathinaikos in the Conference League. Perhaps the England international could get some game time there before starting in the Blues’ next Premier League fixture versus Newcastle United afterwards.
Ultimately, Chelsea just need to play it safe with James. They will not want to see their captain pick up another injury, especially with there being concerns about Malo Gusto’s workload right now.
Maresca needs both of his right-backs in what is going to be an extremely long campaign for Chelsea, who will be competing in the Club World Cup next summer.
With James just returning from injury, then, Gusto will be expected to start at right-back at Anfield on Sunday.
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