Chelsea supporters will be keen to see Reece James play in the club’s next game versus Leeds United on Wednesday.
Even though Chelsea went down to 10 men pretty early following a bad challenge from Moises Caicedo, James was still able to shine against Arsenal.
With Caicedo now suspended and Romeo Lavia out injured, this is perhaps not the time for the 25-year-old to stop playing in midfield.
Mark Clattenburg’s thoughts on Caicedo’s red card…
Speaking exclusively to The Chelsea Chronicle, the former Premier League referee said:
There is no doubt that Moises Caicedo deserve a red card for a shocking tackle that catches his opponent above the foot which could easily endanger the safety of his opponent. Some will argue that the early yellow cards have created this tension but that is looking for excuses for such a tackle.
Mark Clattenburg
However, Enzo Maresca could have to take him out of the side on Wednesday and leave him on the bench.
Chelsea defender Reece James readying a pass
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca hints he may have to rest Reece James for Leeds vs Chelsea
After all of his injury problems in the past, Chelsea are still managing James carefully. As a result, Maresca could rest the defender midweek after playing 90 minutes against Arsenal.
When asked if James can play against Leeds and put in a similar performance, Maresca told football.london and other outlets: “No. The reality is no. Robert [Sanchez] was very good. When you are with 10 players against Arsenal, you need special performances like Robert and Reece.
“Reece, now we have a game on Wednesday but we need to manage him and control his situation a bit.”
Who was your Man of the Match vs Arsenal?
Starting and finishing Sunday’s London derby in midfield, the England international naturally had to do more work than he would have done at right-back.
Following the full-time whistle, Theo Walcott discussed James’ versatility, claiming that it makes him “very unique”.
With Lavia and Dario Essugo injured, it has certainly come in handy this season.
Chelsea captain Reece James in discussion with Enzo Maresca
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Andrey Santos set to come in for Reece James or Moises Caicedo
With Caicedo suspended and James possibly set to be rested, Andrey Santos is almost certain to start for Chelsea when they take on Leeds.
Santos filled in for Caicedo well in the Blues’ 2-0 win against Burnley last weekend, while he also performed at a high standard in the victory over Barcelona.
The Brazilian is young and does not have too much experience playing in England, but he looks ready to do a job for Chelsea in their engine room.
If there was a time for Santos to prove himself at the club, then it is now. And with the talent that the 21-year-old possesses, you would back him to.