It was another disappointing, injury-hit start to the season for Chelsea captain Reece James.
But against Newcastle, Enzo Maresca threw him in from the start, in an unfamiliar position: left-back, with Malo Gusto on the right. James responded by completing his first full match since April 18, 2023.
He provided a committed defensive performance in a 2-1 win, earning himself a rest in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
For a player urged to show more leadership by Maresca earlier in October, it was an impressive comeback. Today, he may face another man out in the cold for England hoping to impress new national team boss Thomas Tuchel in Marcus Rashford.
If so, it’ll be a fantastic battle.
