Enzo Maresca has provided an update on Reece James’ fitness ahead of Chelsea’s game against Brentford after playing twice for England.
James reunited with former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel during the international break to represent his country, and the right-back started both games.
The Chelsea captain played 68 minutes against Andorra and provided an assist, while he then got a further 69 minutes against Serbia, which raised eyebrows among fans.
James’ minutes have been carefully managed at club level due to his injury history in a bid to ensure he builds up some consistency once again, which is why England taking such a drastic approach sent alarm bells ringing from a Chelsea perspective.
Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty ImagesEnzo Maresca confirms Reece James is ‘quite fit’ to play multiple games
While Chelsea fans were rightfully concerned about the impact playing twice for England might have on his health, Maresca has provided positive news on the right-back during his pre-match press conference.
Speaking to football.london and the rest of the English media he said: “In the moment that any player joins an international team, he is fit to play the minutes the manager thinks he has to play. It’s not in my hands.
“When Reece is here, we try to manage him as best as we can. Reece is showing he is quite fit to play two or three games in a week.”
The fact that James is now being considered fit enough to play up to three games in one week will come as a significant positive to Chelsea fans, as that hasn’t been the case in several years.
Reece James Chelsea stats 2024-25 Games Played Goals Assists Minutes Played All Competitions 32 3 2 1, 806′ Given that Champions League football returns next week against Bayern Munich, having James be available for multiple games is going to immediately strengthen the squad.
Maresca’s comments also hint at the fact that the England international will be fit and available for Saturday’s game against Brentford, as Chelsea aim to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Chelsea fans will expect Enzo Maresca to feature Reece James more frequently
Now that Maresca has confirmed James is fitter, Chelsea fans will be expecting him to get more game time than he has so far this season.
While James has featured in all three Premier League games up until now, he is yet to complete 90 minutes, and only started the opening day of the season.
Since then James has been restricted to cameo appearances off the bench, playing just nine minutes during the 2-0 win against Fulham.
However, after dazzling during his two England performances and reminding everyone why he’s one of the most gifted full-backs in the world, Maresca should now be looking to get more out of him.
It is also positive news for the upcoming Brentford game after Maresca confirmed Liam Delap is out for 10-12 weeks, while Cole Palmer still is not 100 per cent fit.