Maresca discusses Reece James role and Chilwell future | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has said Reece James is ready to play 90 minutes for Chelsea and has suggested a change in role could help the defender’s injury issues.

James played the second half of Chelsea’s 5-0 win over Morecambe at the weekend as the club captain returns from a hamstring issue. It’s the latest return for James, who has been plagued by fitness problems in recent seasons.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Bournemouth, Maresca said James was ready to return to the starting side. He also outlined his belief that a preference for inverted full-backs could reduce the physical demands on the 24-year-old in his side.

“Yes they [Reece James and Romeo Lavia] are available [for 90 minutes]. I said since we start we are going to manage both because they are a bit [of a] delicate situation,” he said at his pre-match press conference.

On managing James, Maresca added “For sure, using a full-back in that way – up and down – you spend more energy. But I’m not a fan of full-back [going] up and down, our full-backs we don’t use them up and down.

“Only game we do that was Crystal Palace, where we don’t use full back inverted for a reason, but I’m not a fan of full-back up and down.”

Maresca also confirmed his desire for more central full-backs is the reason behind the decision to drop Ben Chilwell. The left-back is currently exploring his options after a lack of football this season.

“He has been top. Very professional. He works hard. I feel shame because of the situation but, in terms of behaviour, he has been very good,” Maresca said on Chilwell.

“First of all because it is my choice. Reason why I said probably because I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucrella doing different kind of job during the game.

“I think Chilwell is a top full-back, doing that job up and down and given opportunity in past to win titles and be in national team, but I struggle to see Ben doing different kind of things.”

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