Enzo Maresca says Reece James and Romeo Lavia are ready to return but Chelsea will continue to monitor his fitness carefully.

In Chelsea’s 5-0 win over Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, the Chelsea club captain made his first appearance as a starter since November, while Lavia returned to his side after more than a month on the sidelines. Both players had problems with their thigh muscles.

James and Lavia were substituted at half-time and Maresca added that he would be careful with the minutes he gives them in the coming weeks to ensure they do not suffer any further setbacks.

“We are very happy for both of them,” Maresca said of James and Lavia. “You played 45 minutes the other day and are now available for the next games.”

Asked if they were now ready to play 90 minutes if needed, Chelsea’s head coach replied: “Yes, they are available and as we said from the start, we will try to manage both of them a little bit because they are available “A bit tricky situations.”

(Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images)

James has suffered from persistent hamstring problems in recent seasons and did not play 90 minutes in the Premier League for 18 months between April 2023 and October 2024. In December 2023, he underwent thigh surgery.

The right-back has been limited to five appearances in all competitions this season and has only started three times in the Premier League.

Lavia has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season, despite being sidelined twice with a hamstring injury. The midfielder made just one appearance as a substitute last season after joining the club from Southampton for an initial £53m due to various injury problems.

Maresca also confirmed that winger Noni Madueke will be available for Chelsea’s Premier League game against Bournemouth on Tuesday following an illness.

“He’s back, he’s training with us, so he’s 100 percent fit,” Maresca said.

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