Enzo Maresca has a little bit of a dilemma heading into Chelsea’s game against Leeds United on Wednesday.
The Chelsea manager will be without Moises Caicedo, who is suspended following his red card in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend.
James could also be rested for the trip to Elland Road after playing the full 90 minutes of Chelsea’s recent London derby.
Reece James set to be benched for Leeds vs Chelsea
“The reality is no!” ð
Enzo Maresca says Reece James will be unable to face Leeds on Wednesday following his sensational performance against Arsenal ✨ pic.twitter.com/5Bxb9EEVKa
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) November 30, 2025
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Maresca has now discussed who exactly could start in midfield for the Leeds match.
Moises Caicedo of Chelsea is greeted by his manager Enzo Maresca, as he walks off the pitch after being shown a red card
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca hints he could use Josh Acheampong in midfield
This season, Josh Acheampong has played at centre-back, while he has also started at right-back in the past.
However, it looks like he could be set for a midfield role on Wednesday if Maresca does decide to use him.
Initially asked whether Andrey Santos is ready to replace Caicedo, Maresca told football.london and other outlets in his pre-match press conference: “Andrey is ready. His position is playing as a No.6, like Moi, but he is ready. One that can play good in that position is Josh, but we will see.”
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The likelihood is that the Brazilian will start for Chelsea at Elland Road. Santos came in for Caicedo against Burnley and did a terrific job in the 24-year-old’s role.
If anything happens to him or Maresca needs to make a sub, though, it seems that Acheampong could be an option to play in midfield.
Whoever starts in the engine room, Chelsea should have enough quality to beat a Leeds side who are currently in the relegation zone.