Enzo Maresca has provided a positive injury update on Chelsea captain Reece James ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace.
James missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury, making his first appearance against Liverpool on October 20.
He only made four appearances though before he picked up another hamstring injury. Now ahead of their London derby with Palace on Saturday, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has provided fans with a positive update.
Reece James Injury Update: Chelsea Skipper In Contention For Return Against Crystal Palace
After months out, Maresca has revealed James could make his return at Selhurst Park tomorrow.
“He is back,” the Chelsea boss said when asked about James. “The last game against Ipswich he was with us just to be with us in the squad.
"Tomorrow we can give him minutes" 💪
Enzo Maresca says Reece James is back in contention to play for Chelsea against Crystal Palace 🔙 pic.twitter.com/Mj2FAgS8Jp
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 3, 2025
“The plan was not to give him any minutes. Tomorrow [Saturday] is different, we can give him minutes. So hopefully we all know how important Reece is for us. Hopefully he can get minutes really soon.”
James’ Injury History
James has not appeared since November 10 against Arsenal. Chelsea will be hoping to have a fully fit James once he returns to the pitch for the rest of the season after Enzo Maresca’s injury update.
As per TransferMarkt, Reece James’ injury list displays 19 different occasions whereby the Chelsea captain has been out of action.
The 25-year-old made just 11 appearances in all competitions last season and has played just four times this term.
Reece James is one of the unluckiest players in football when it comes to injuries. He has missed 133 games in all competitions over the last six seasons with injury.
