Reece James misses Chelsea's game against Leicester City today through illness.
The right-back started against Southampton on the substitutes' bench last time out in the Premier League after a run of six-straight appearances in the top flight having battled hamstring injuries this season and was included from the off against Copenhagen in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday. Today's absence is down to the fact James, the Blues' captain, is under the weather rather than any new injury concern.
In James' place is Wesley Fofana, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill partnering one another at centre-back with Marc Cucurella making up the defence at left-back. football.london's Chelsea correspondent Bobby Vincent reported that James "had a fever and temperature yesterday and was checked by the doctor last night and this morning" before being "deemed not well enough to make the 20-man squad".
There is a boost for the Blues, though, with midfielder Romeo Lavia back in the squad after a hamstring injury of his own. James, meanwhile, looks to be back to his best after another tough season with injuries.
He missed the first seven games of the season, first because of suspension but then after an injury blow before returning for four games before another injury, this time in training, sidelined him once more. James was moved into midfield for the 2-1 win at Copenhagen last time out and Blues boss Maresca hinted that it could be something that becomes more regular in the future.
"He can play in many positions because the good players can play in many positions," he said. "At this moment, we are using him as a midfielder and he is doing very well.
"When I signed with Chelsea probably the day after, I sent him a video about seeing him as a midfielder. "When you watch a player, you sometimes need to use imagination and imagine a player doing something.
"I always imagined him behaving as a midfielder. "I watched some of his games when he was on loan from Chelsea to Wigan where he scored a fantastic goal from 25 or 30 metres as a midfielder.
"But the best thing about Reece at the moment is he is helping the team with leadership and he is growing a lot since I mentioned we needed him and this is important."
James had made a dozen appearances in all competitions this season.
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Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot with team mate Jadon Sancho during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Stamford Bridge on September 28, 2024
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