After years of setbacks, Chelsea captain Reece James is finally back to his best — and Enzo Maresca says he’s ready to handle a full schedule once again. The Italian manager confirmed that James, now adapting to a new hybrid role between right-back and midfield, is fully fit and prepared to play three times a week following an injury-free start to the 2025/26 campaign.
The 25-year-old has featured in all ten of Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures so far, offering leadership and tactical balance in Maresca’s evolving system. According to club insiders, James’ new role has been carefully designed to reduce physical stress while keeping his defensive and creative instincts in play. His standout display in the 1–0 win over Tottenham on 2 November underscored just how valuable that adjustment has been.
“Reece is good, he is doing well. He is fit, 100%,” Maresca said in his pre-match press conference before the Champions League tie against Qarabag. “The way he behaves, even when not playing, is top. We don’t use him up and down — it’s a different role, and he’s ready to play three games a week.”
Enzo Maresca on Reece James’ Fitness Journey
The Italian coach has made no secret of his admiration for James’ professionalism throughout his recovery process. After four seasons plagued by recurring muscle issues, the Cobham graduate has finally strung together a consistent run of matches without relapse.
Maresca’s positional tweak — shifting James from an overlapping full-back into a deeper, controlling midfielder — has allowed the captain to dictate tempo while conserving energy. His passing range and defensive awareness have given Chelsea stability in possession, especially in tight games where control and leadership are key.
Romeo Lavia’s Gradual Comeback Mirrors James’ Path
James’ resurgence is helping Maresca manage the workload of another injury-prone talent, Romeo Lavia. The Belgian midfielder, who joined from Southampton in 2023, has struggled for consistent minutes but is now being eased back with a similar patience to what James received last year.
“The main target for Romeo is to be fit, to avoid any more injuries,” Maresca added. “In this moment, Romeo is where Reece was about a year ago. We need to manage him carefully — the goal is to keep him fit so he can finally enjoy being a footballer again.”
So far, Lavia has featured selectively — 45 minutes against Nottingham Forest, an hour versus Ajax, and a strong cameo against Spurs — with the staff prioritising long-term availability over short-term gains.
Key Numbers Behind Reece James’ 2025/26 Revival
| Stat (2025/26) | Reece James |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% |
source: sofascore match data – 4 November 2025
James’ consistency in possession and defensive discipline have been the cornerstones of Chelsea’s early-season form. His higher pass accuracy and progressive carries suggest he’s adapting well to Maresca’s control-oriented philosophy.
Our View: The Bigger Picture for Chelsea’s Captain
In our view, Reece James’ revival is more than just a personal milestone — it’s a tactical turning point for Chelsea. Maresca’s system depends on inverted full-backs controlling midfield space, and James’ intelligence makes him the perfect fit. His ability to blend physicality with calm distribution has transformed Chelsea’s build-up play.
Psychologically, this is also a watershed. James’ leadership presence, once threatened by constant absences, is now reasserting itself both on and off the pitch. He’s mentoring younger players, including Lavia, in how to recover and reintegrate with patience. For a squad often criticised for fragility, that stability is priceless.
Key Insights
- Fitness milestone: Reece James now declared 100% fit after years of injuries.
- Tactical shift: Maresca’s hybrid role keeps James effective while reducing risk.
- Leadership return: The captain’s influence has re-energised the dressing room.
- Lavia parallels: Chelsea applying the same cautious model for the Belgian.
- Data check: James’ passing accuracy (89%) ranks among top Premier League defenders.
What’s Next for Chelsea and Reece James?
Chelsea host Qarabag in the Champions League on 6 November before resuming domestic duties away at home against Wolves three days later. Maresca is expected to rotate minimally, keeping James central to his midfield structure. If he continues at this level, the England international could reclaim a key role in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2026 plans.
👉 Chelsea fans — do you think Reece James’ new midfield role could extend his career and transform the team’s balance?
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