“I would like him” – Enzo Maresca reveals what he’s building towards with Reece James | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has admitted he wants to play Reece James every game, but is hopeful he can play three games a week soon.

James has been carefully managed since returning from his latest hamstring injury, and Maresca’s approach appears to have really paid off.

The 25-year-old has been injury free for over a year, the longest spell in a number of years, and has put in some brilliant performances this season.

Enzo Maresca on Reece James progress

James has played at both right back and in midfield this season, and put in one of his best performances in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

The England international is playing far more regularly than Chelsea fans could have dreamed of when he was picking up injuries regularly.

James has been in brilliant form this season. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

James didn’t feature against Leeds, and the Blues sorely missed him as they put in a disappointing performance and slumped to a 3-1 defeat.

Maresca had previously stated James was ready to play three games a week, but it appears he’s gone back on those comments slightly.

“I want to play Reece every game,” he told Chelsea’s official website.

“He’s much better and is already playing two games a week and then [hopefully] three games a week – he’s already improving in terms of that.

“I would like him, with Moi (Caicedo) now suspended, to play every game but we need Reece for the next games.”

Wesley Fofana making good progress

Whilst James is working towards being able to play three games a week, another player who’s suffered a lot of injury issues is making good progress.

Wesley Fofana has been plagued by injury since joining Chelsea, but the former Leicester man appears to be putting those problems behind him.

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Maresca has confirmed he’s working towards Fofana playing twice a week, and in the absence of Levi Colwill, he’s becoming even more important to the Blues.

Fofana has put in some really good performances this season, and has started to form a strong partnership with Trevoh Chalobah.