Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has admitted he faces a complex decision regarding the fitness and role of captain Reece James ahead of Wednesday's Premier League trip to face Leeds United at Elland Road.
The 'Complicated' Captain Conundrum
Reece James transformed into a midfield option during Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, delivering an excellent performance after Moises Caicedo's first-half red card. However, with a crucial away fixture looming, Maresca has signalled he may rest his skipper to protect his long-term fitness.
"It's complicated. I would like to start him but we need to do the right thing," Maresca stated at a press conference on Tuesday. The Italian emphasised that James, traditionally a right-back, has a future in both positions, with his deployment depending on the specific game plan and the physicality required in midfield.
Filling the Caicedo Void
The suspension of Moises Caicedo for three matches leaves a significant gap in Chelsea's engine room. The Ecuadorian, sent off for a reckless challenge on Arsenal's Mikel Merino, will miss the Leeds game, the subsequent trip to Bournemouth, and the home fixture against Everton on 13 December.
Maresca revealed that young Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos is "ready" to step into the defensive midfield role. Santos impressed in a start against Burnley earlier this season. In a surprise move, the manager also named academy graduate and centre-half Josh Acheampong as a potential option to fill in, highlighting the need for adaptable solutions.
Strategic Decisions for Elland Road
Maresca's comments suggest a careful balancing act is underway. While James proved his midfield credentials against Arsenal, his injury history necessitates prudent management. The Chelsea boss must decide whether his captain's physical presence is essential against a robust Leeds side or if his welfare demands a place on the bench.
"He can play in both positions," Maresca reiterated. "But I think he can be good in both positions, when we decide for him as a midfielder, most of the time it's because we want the physicality when we face something that is strong in the middle." This statement strongly hints at the tactical considerations dominating Chelsea's preparation for a challenging midweek encounter.
