James of Chelsea has fully healed from his injury, but Maresca believes he won’t be rushed back

Reece James, a defender for Chelsea, has returned to training following a hamstring injury, although manager Enzo Maresca stated that they would not hasten his recuperation.

Having only made four appearances this season, the 25-year-old had surgery on the same ailment a year ago. The injury occurred during training last month, and the Chelsea captain has been sidelined ever since.

Second-place Chelsea, who are two points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League after five straight victories, will visit Everton on Sunday after the Merseyside team was acquired by the Friedkin Group.

“He will return, but that doesn’t mean he will be with us this Sunday or next Sunday,” Maresca said Friday to reporters.

“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.”

Romeo Lavia, an injured midfielder, will “struggle to play on Sunday,” according to Maresca, while defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are still out due to chronic ailments.

Due to their lack of playing time, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka may request moves during the January transfer window, Maresca continued.

Upon taking over this season, Maresca shut out former captain Chilwell. This season, Chukwuemeka has made four appearances in the Conference League and one in the League Cup, while the 27-year-old has only made one appearance in the League Cup.

We’ll see whether any of the players knock on the door and say, ‘I want to leave,’ or something similar, since every player has a little different circumstance. We’ll look for a solution,” the Italian coach declared.

Before Liverpool plays Tottenham Hotspur later in the day, a victory at Goodison Park on Sunday would put the London club at the top of the league for at least a few hours. Chelsea lost 2-0 there last season.

“I don’t think the win’s repercussions (on the standings) can put any pressure on my players. Because you must first win,” Maresca stated.