Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had a number of problems to deal with ahead of their Club World Cup quarter-final tie with Palmeiras.
The Blues already knew before the game that they were going to be without their best midfielder in Moises Caicedo available for selection after he picked up two yellow cards earlier in the competition.
The Ecuadorian’s absence was not felt too hard as Chelsea booked their place in the semi-final with a 2-1 win against the Brazilian side.
Just moments before kick-off, Maresca was handed another conundrum when it emerged that Reece James was not fit enough to start. He had been named in the XI who were set to take to the field.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesReece James back in training ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup semi-final
He was replaced in the starting side by Andrey Santos, who put in a fine performance to mark a very successful first start for Chelsea.
While there will have been worries that the club captain had suffered another setback to go with his regular injury woes, James stated himself he would be fit for the semi-final up against Fluminense.
It looks as if that is going to be the case. In a video of training on Chelsea’s official website, the England international can be seen in action alongside his teammates.
He has enjoyed a very strong Club World Cup campaign so far, and his goal against Benfica saw James named in the team of the week for the competition.
Photo by Dustin Satloff – FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesReece James’ chances of starting against Fluminense
The whole Chelsea squad will be desperate to be selected by Maresca for the semi-final, as the Blues face a reunion with Thiago Silva.
James could replace Santos in the side despite the Brazilian’s excellent performance, with that position being where the manager sees him best fit.
There could be an appetite for the boss to bring him back into his original position of right-back, given Malo Gusto’s recent struggles in the inverted position.
The Frenchman thought he had scored his first goal for the club in the quarter-final, only for it to go down as an own goal.