Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea must ‘do the right thing’ when it comes to managing Reece James’ fitness ahead of the trip to Leeds United.
The Blues captain has transformed into a hugely capable midfield option for his club, stepping into the middle of the park in an excellent performance against Arsenal on Sunday after Moises Caicedo was sent off.
The Ecuador international will now serve a three-match suspension, leaving a gaping hole in the Chelsea midfield.
While James will be a tempting option, Maresca suggested at a press conference on Tuesday he may rest his skipper at Elland Road.
James also still has a future at right0back with the Chelsea boss prepared to decide on his position depending on the opposition.
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‘It’s complicated. I would like to start him but we need to do the right thing,’ Maresca said.
‘He can play in both positions. He has been at full-back all his life, he has also played as a midfielder.
‘But I think he can be good in both positions, when we decide for him as a midfield, most of the time it’s because we want the physicality when we face something that is strong in the middle. It depends on the game plan but he’s doing very well in both positions.’
Maresca names surprise option to replace Caicedo in midfield
Elsewhere, Maresca is confident Andrey Santos can step in and fill the void left by Caicedo’s suspension – but named another Chelsea player who can also step into his midfield role.
Caicedo was shown a straight red card in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal after a wild and reckless challenge on Mikel Merino in the first-half.
Despite his protests, his yellow card was swiftly upgraded to a red by referee Anthony Taylor, earning him a three-match suspension.
The Ecuador international will miss the Leeds game and Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth. He will also be suspended for the home game against Everton on 13 December.
It leaves a gaping hole in midfield where Caicedo has been in magnificent form this season. Chelsea do have a promising young deputy in Santos however, with the Brazil international turning in an excellent display against Burnley following the international break with Caicedo named among the subs that day.
Santos had a superb season on loan at Strasbourg last season but has been limited to just three starting appearances in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Maresca feels the 21-year-old is now ‘ready’ to step up – but also names academy graduate Josh Acheampong, a centre-half by trade, as another possible option.
For sure, again, we are a better team with Cole [Palmer], with Moi [Caicedo], with Levi [Colwill, sidelined with an ACL injury], but when these players are not available, we need to find solutions,; Maresca told a press conference on Tuesday.
‘Now we need to do something different.
‘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 [Acheampong], but we will see.’