Enzo Maresca has provided encouraging news for Chelsea fans ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
Key players Reece James and Romeo Lavia are fit and could start as they continue their return to regular action following injuries.
The Chelsea captain, James, made his first start since November in the Blues’ 5-0 FA Cup victory over Morecambe last weekend.
Similarly, Lavia featured alongside him, marking his return after more than a month on the sidelines. Both players have struggled with recurring hamstring issues, and while their progress is promising, Maresca confirmed that their minutes will be carefully managed.
“We are very happy for both,” Maresca said. “They played 45 minutes the other day, and now they are available for the next games.”
When asked if James and Lavia could play a full 90 minutes, Maresca added, “Yes, they are available. However, we are going to try to manage them a bit because these are delicate situations.”
James has endured persistent hamstring problems over recent seasons. The right-back, who underwent surgery in December 2023, was previously unable to complete a full Premier League match for 18 months between April 2023 and October 2024.
This season, he has been limited to five appearances in all competitions and has started just three league matches.
Lavia, signed from Southampton for £53 million, has faced his own injury setbacks. The 20-year-old midfielder has made only 11 appearances this season, with fitness issues limiting his contributions since joining Chelsea.
Chelsea’s preparations for the Bournemouth clash received another boost with the return of winger Noni Madueke. The England international is now fully fit after recovering from an illness.
“He is back, he is training with us, so he is 100 per cent fit,” Maresca confirmed.
Chelsea fans will hope the returns of James, Lavia, and Madueke can propel the team toward more consistent results in the league.
With tomorrow’s fixture against Bournemouth marking an opportunity to close the gap on the top four, all eyes will be on Maresca’s team selection and the performances of his returning stars.
