‘I can officially confirm’ – Pochettino says 23-year-old will start for Chelsea in EFL Cup tomorrow
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Chelsea captain Reece James will make his return to the starting side tomorrow.
He claimed in his pre-match press conference that the England international was ready to return, although he would not go further with his team selection.
James has only started one game this season, with that coming on the opening day of the season against Liverpool.
Since then, he has endured a rough road to recovery that has seen multiple setbacks along the way. His original injury was over two months ago now.
However, good news has been that the 23-year-old has been seen back on the pitch in recent weeks, as he looks to come back for good rather than for a temporary time.
He has been introduced off the bench in the last two games, with his introduction against Brentford in particular a real necessary one.
James replaced Axel Disasi, with the more recognised centre-back clearly struggling with the attacking responsibilities of the right-back role.
Now, Pochettino has claimed that tomorrow is the day that will be his first start since the injury that plagued his beginning to life as Chelsea captain.
He said: “I can confirm that he is going to start. I want to confirm only one player. But, yes, the captain is ready. It’s good for the team and for him to start from the beginning of the game.”
The press conference made it sound as if Pochettino is going to be taking tomorrow serious, despite the lower league opposition that will be coming to Stamford Bridge.
Blackburn Rovers will be the visitors, with the Championship side enjoying a strong run in the competition so far.
With no Manchester City in the ranks, there is a real opportunity for a number of other sides to add some silverware to their collection this season.