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

Chelsea star backed to make Old Trafford switch; ‘fresh opportunity’ on the cards

Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…

4 days ago

Chelsea star to push for Stamford Bridge exit; Manchester United keen

Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…

5 days ago

Chelsea are eager to make a massive move for Barcelona right-back

In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…

6 days ago

Chelsea unwilling to sanction sale of 10-goal star to Premier League rival

Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…

1 week ago

Chelsea lead the race for 23-goal European star to address striking woes

Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…

1 week ago

Chelsea shortlist two names as Maresca keen to strengthen one key area

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…

1 week ago