A View From The Bridge

“It is important that he stays fit”- Mauricio Pochettino gives verdict on Chelsea star’s long-awaited return from injury

Mauricio Pochettino believes Chelsea star Reece James will take time to reach full fitness

Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for Chelsea skipper Reece James, who was in the startling line-up to face Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. James picked up a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s first game of the season against Liverpool and was out for a decent spell of time. The right-back made his return against Arsenal as a substitute as he continues to build his fitness.

He was lively throughout the game and came close to scoring his goal of the season against Blackburn. Chelsea cruised to a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling. They will now face Newcastle United in the quarter-final.

James looked impressive during the game and was later replaced by Malo Gusto in the 61st minute. The right-back is currently building his fitness to play an entire game after returning from a hamstring injury.

Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea needs to be careful with James’ fitness. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images for Premier League)

The Argentine manager praised the 23-year-old’s performance but cautioned that he is still not fully fit and will be used less. According to the Evening Standard, this is what he said:

“He’s an amazing player; for me, he’s one of the best full-backs in the world. It’s unlucky that he only played 70–75 minutes against Liverpool in the first game and, until today, didn’t play.

“The temptation is, ‘Okay, come on, go and play 90 minutes’. But we need to be careful. Little by little, he is going to get fit and cope with the demands of the games.”

While it is good to see James return to action, his recent struggles outline the need to be cautious and not overplay him. The Englishman is a key player when fit and it is imperative that we have him available for a large chunk of the season rather than a few games now and then. It makes sense that Pochettino will want to see him return to full fitness before deploying him on a regular basis.

English international Reece James started the game in a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

James demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the game’s top right-backs. His presence gives the club so much more offensive and defensive meaning. He also had a chance to score, but the goalie proved competent.

One of the best players in his position, James certainly is a game-winner. At 23, the best years of his career are ahead of him and it makes zero sense for us to overplay him, especially when he is not at his best.

More Chelsea News

Our next game is against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday. Whether Pochettino will play the Englishman from the start or opt to bring him off the bench remains to be seen.

Rajarshi Shukla

Recent Posts

Noni Madueke praises Cole Palmer, and says he doesn’t have a ceiling

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has sung the praises of his teammate, Cole Palmer, describing him as a player with extraordinary…

1 week ago

Fan Power: How Chelsea Fans Could Stop Stamford Bridge Move

Ask any matchday Chelsea fan who the CPO are, and they’ll tell you that it stands for the Chelsea Pitch…

3 weeks ago

Chelsea and Arsenal in pursuit of €427,308 per week striker

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a signing move for the Juventus Center forward in winter.

3 weeks ago

Former Arsenal star raves about Chelsea’s midfield maestro

Cole Palmer is taking the headlines for the performances he has been putting in since moving to Chelsea in the…

1 month ago

Chelsea alarmed by unfolding situation with 17-year-old signing

Chelsea have received an alarming news on their signing Kendry Paez who is likely to join the club next year.

1 month ago

Chelsea ready to move for Brazilian defender with €70 million. release clause

According to a Brazilian news outlet UOL, Chelsea are trying to sign the young Brazilian JP Chermont from Santos.

1 month ago