“I have to drop him” “He’s out of City clash” – Enzo Maresca confirms 24-years-old Chelsea star is out of Man city clash
Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that since Reece James is suspended for the first three games of the season, Chelsea will likely play a preseason game without him.
As he adjusts to a new role under Maresca and seeks to regain match fitness following yet another prolonged period of absences during the previous campaign, James has started all three of the preseason games played under the Italian manager.
James has so far survived the preseason unharmed, which is a wonderful sight for everyone connected to the team. It is imperative that he stays healthy for the forthcoming year.
Maresca says that James won’t play for Chelsea.
After undergoing surgery to treat a hamstring injury that sidelined him for over five months last season, the 24-year-old made a comeback towards the conclusion of the campaign as the Blues secured a top six finish.
Unfortunately James picked up a red card against Brighton, his second of the season, meaning he will serve a four match ban with three of those carrying over into the new season.
Maresca has opted to start James in every game so far, but Chelsea will need to try out not playing with him ahead of the new season.
The Italian admitted in the build up to Saturday’s game against Manchester City that he would likely do that but wasn’t sure what game it would be in.
“Yes, probably [prepare to play in pre-season without him]. We will see if it’s tomorrow or one of the games we have ahead. As you said, because he is suspended, we need to try without him,” he told Reporters.
James is facing a critical season given his well documented injury problems of the last few seasons and by his own admission he said his one goal this season was to just stay on the pitch.
A fully fit and firing James is a genuine game changer for the Blues given the quality he possesses and despite the excellence of Malo Gusto Chelsea do miss their captain.