Enzo Maresca shares important Reece James injury update following Palmeiras win | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has confirmed Reece James “felt something” during the warm up and decided not to take any risks with him.

James was replaced by Andrey Santos despite being named in the starting line-up to take on Palmeiras after picking up an injury in the warm-up.

Luckily for Chelsea James’ absence didn’t prove costly as they ground out a hard fought 2-1 win to set up a semi final against Thiago Silva’s Fluminense.

Maresca on James injury

James’ injury issues have been well documented over the past few seasons, but after returning from his latest hamstring injury in January, the 25-year-old has managed to keep himself fit.

Maresca has used James in midfield to minimise the impact on his body, and has really carefully managed his minutes to try and minimise the risk of picking up another injury.

James picked up an injury in the warm-up before the clash with Palmeiras. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

James looks the fittest he’s looked in a long time, and had featured in three of Chelsea’s games in the competition so far, and scored a brilliant free-kick in the last 16 against Benfica.

However, Chelsea fans were left concerned when the England international was replaced in the starting line-up after picking up an injury in the warm-up, and Maresca has now provided an update on the situation.

“Reece James felt something during the warm up,” he said as cited on X.com.

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“We felt it was tightness so we decided not to take any risk with him.”

James made 19 Premier League appearances last season, the most he’s managed in a number of years, and Chelsea will be hoping this is nothing more than a minor setback and a precaution.

Chelsea one game from the final

The Blues are now one game from the final and managed to beat Palmeiras without Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

Chelsea will be without Liam Delap and Levi Colwill for the game against Fluminense with the pair both getting booked and are therefore suspended.

Joao Pedro impressed off the bench on his debut and could be in line for a first Chelsea start against what is his boyhood club, with the final and a chance to win another trophy now within touching distance.