Enzo Fernandez has sent a clear Chelsea message to Reece James as he continues his recovery from another hamstring injury. The Blues captain is yet to play any competitive minutes under Enzo Maresca having been suspended for the opening three games of the 2024/25 campaign before then picking up a fresh muscular issue.
Over the last few weeks, Maresca has been unable to provide a possible return date for James with the 24-year-old now the only senior player on Chelsea's injury list. "Romeo is available for tomorrow [Saturday]," Maresca revealed before the clash with Brighton. "The only one who isn't available is Reece [James]."
Though Chelsea have shown some defensive frailties without their skipper, the likes of Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho and Nicolas Jackson are more than making up for it in attack. This past weekend, the Blues beat Brighton 4-2 with Palmer scoring all four.
However, the former Manchester City star will not be available for Chelsea's next clash which comes in the Conference League against Gent as he was left out of the squad for the group stages. With that clash to come on Thursday evening, Maresca was on hand to issue the latest injury news.
"They are all available unless they have been left out of the [Conference League] squad, plus Reece [James] is not available," he admitted in a press conference on Wednesday. Despite that, James was spotted out on the grass at Cobham last month but that was for Chelsea's first team squad photo.
Nonetheless, it did allow James the chance to provide an update on his potential injury return date with Fernandez seemingly very excited at the prospect of playing alongside him soon. On Instagram, James wrote: "long story short I'm doing well hope to see you soon."
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Fernandez was among those in the comments as he replied, all in caps, by saying, "vaaamos hermano!!! [clock, battery and blue heart emojis]." Though Moises Caicedo is the one receiving the plaudits, the Argentine has also impressed so far this season but his spot in the starting XI could be under threat.
Maresca is a huge fan of the returning Lavia and he could be given the chance to make a huge impression on Thursday evening at Stamford Bridge with rotation expected.
