FILE PHOTO: Jul 24, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chelsea defender Reece James (24) waits for play to resume during a match against Wrexham in the first half at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
(Reuters) - Chelsea defender Reece James is back in training after recovering from a hamstring injury, though manager Enzo Maresca said they would not rush his return.
The 25-year-old, who underwent surgery on the same injury 12 months ago, has made just four appearances this season. The Chelsea captain has been out since suffering the injury in training last month.
After five consecutive wins in the Premier League, second-placed Chelsea, trailing leaders Liverpool by two points, visit Everton on Sunday following the Merseyside club's takeover by the Friedkin Group.
"He will be back but that doesn’t mean that he's going to be with us on Sunday or next Sunday," Maresca told reporters on Friday.
"The plan is part of the session to be with him and from there to try to build the right condition for him and finally he can be back with us."
Maresca confirmed that injured midfielder Romeo Lavia will "struggle to play on Sunday" and defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
Maresca added that Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka could request moves in the January transfer window due to a lack of playing time.
Former captain Chilwell was frozen out by Maresca when he took charge this season. The 27-year-old has made just one appearance in the League Cup this term, while Chukwuemeka has featured four times in the Conference League and once in the League Cup.
"Each player is a bit different situation, so we're going to see if some of them are coming and knocking on the door to say I want to leave or something like that. We will try to find a solution," the Italian coach said.
Chelsea were defeated 2-0 on their visit to Goodison Park last season and a win there on Sunday would put the London club top of the table for a few hours at least, before Liverpool take on Tottenham Hotspur later in the day.
"I don't think (my players) can have some pressure about the consequences of the win (on the standings). Because first of all, you have to win," Maresca said.
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)
