Enzo Maresca has explained why Reece James was replaced at half-time in Chelsea’s victory over Burnley.
James captained the side at Turf Moor in Saturday’s early kick-off but was replaced by Benoit Badilashile at the break with his side leading through Pedro Neto.
The 25-year-old was back out to watch the second-half from the dugout with Enzo Fernandez sealing a 2-0 victory that lifts the Blues to within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
James has been left devastated by a series of major injury problems over the years but managed to stay injury-free for the second-half of last season with the club working hard to manage his fitness.
The skipper has remained fit this term, featuring in all 12 league matches and starting eight of them.
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Chelsea have a huge game against Barcelona in the Champions League midweek before they host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.
Speaking after the win at Burnley, Maresca said his half-time change was pre-planned, made with one eye on those fixtures.
‘The idea was especially to manage Reece (James), it was a plan for him to play 45 minutes,’ Maresca said in his post-match press conference.
Moises Caicedo did not start for Chelsea on Saturday with Andrey Santos selected ahead of him, turning in an excellent midfield performance that won hm the man of the match award.
Caciedo played the full 90 minutes for Ecuador against New Zealand and Canada during the international break before making the long trip back to the capital on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Maresca explained: ‘The reason he is not in the first eleven is that came back Thursday night from Ecuador, from the national team, then just a light session with us yesterday, and the reason he is not playing is that it is impossible. To protect him a little bit.’
Wesley Fofana was also left out after a recent run in the team. Explaining his absence, Maresca said: “Just to manage him and protect him a little bit.
‘He is playing, he is good and he is fit and we are very happy with that.’