Enzo Maresca confirms why Chelsea captain Reece James was absent from the squad in Brighton defeat
Chelsea hit a real low point in their season this weekend by being dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton, and Enzo Maresca has provided supporters an update on why Reece James was absent from the squad.
Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup, so they’ve gone out of both domestic cup competitions this season with a whimper.
The Blues let an early lead slip to lose the match at the Amex Stadium. However, the team’s performance was arguably even worse than the result. Enzo Maresca’s side managed just one shot on target in the cup defeat to Brighton (BBC).
As a result, Chelsea’s player ratings versus Brighton included several low scores.
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Enzo Maresca explains Reece James absence in FA Cup
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca named a strong team that suffered defeat to Brighton, but Reece James was completely absent from the matchday squad.
The fans always fear for the club captain because of his poor injury record, but thankfully there’s some good news on him.
When asked about James’ absence versus Brighton, Maresca said via Football.London: “It was planned. He is okay. He is training, it was just to protect him a little bit to avoid injury again.”
James featured in the previous five matches across all competitions before Brighton as Chelsea get him back up to full fitness. The 25-year-old right-back has looked quite impressive, too.
Based on Maresca’s comments, it sounds like he’ll be back for next Friday’s Premier League trip to Brighton.
Maresca previously said Chelsea skipper James is improving as a leader. Well, the team were crying out for some leadership as they went out of the FA Cup on a real flat note.
Reece James left a major hole
Of course, the drop off is always going to be big when a world-class talent James doesn’t play. His injury troubles means that it’s not unfamiliar ground for the Blues.
Unfortunately, Malo Gusto’s form in Chelsea colours has completely disappeared during his second season with the club.
Gusto started as the right-back in the Brighton loss. Yet again, the 21-year-old full-back struggled with another poor display.
Gusto has definitely regressed this season under Maresca, which is a massive shame because at one point he looked like the perfect competition and cover for James.
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