Reece James Set to Bolster Chelsea

Chelsea defender Reece James has returned to training after recovering from a hamstring injury, but manager Enzo Maresca said he would not rush his comeback.

James, 25, who underwent surgery for the same injury 12 months ago, has only played four matches this season. The Chelsea captain has been sidelined since suffering the injury during training last month.

Following five consecutive Premier League wins, second-placed Chelsea, two points behind leaders Liverpool, will visit Everton on Sunday. Everton enters the game with high spirits after the Texas-based Friedkin Group completed their acquisition of the club.

Maresca told reporters on Friday: “He will return, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be with us on Sunday or the following Sunday… We’ll try to build the right condition for him, and then he can rejoin us.”

Maresca said injured midfielder Romeo Lavia is “unlikely to play on Sunday,” while defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile remain sidelined with long-term injuries.

Maresca added that Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka may seek transfers in January due to limited playing time.

Former captain Chilwell has been marginalized by Maresca since he took charge this season, playing only once in the League Cup, while Chukwuemeka has featured four times in the Conference League and once in the League Cup.

The Italian coach said: “Every player is in a slightly different situation, so we’ll see if some of them come and knock on the door to say they want to leave or something like that. We’ll try to find a solution.”

Chelsea lost 2-0 at Goodison Park last season, but a win against Everton on Sunday would put them top of the table, at least temporarily, before Liverpool faces Tottenham Hotspur later in the day.

Maresca said: “I don’t think (my players) can feel pressured by the results (on the table). Because first and foremost, you have to win.”