Injuries have massively halted Chelsea’s progress under Enzo Maresca in recent months, with numerous key first-team members having to spend various spells on the sidelines.
Nicolas Jackson has missed the last month of action with a thigh issue, leaving the Italian boss short of options in the final third of the pitch in recent matches.
The Senegalese international has been joined in the treatment room by centre-back Wesley Fofana, with the Frenchman failing to make an appearance since the start of December.
The 24-year-old started 12 Premier League matches before his latest setback but could make a return this weekend after returning to the bench against Southampton last week.
Fofana could follow in the footsteps of one player who has impressed since his return to action in recent weeks, forcing himself back into the plans of the first-team boss.
Reece James’ form for Chelsea in 2024/25
Right-back Reece James has been a player who’s been plagued by injuries over the last few years, putting a halt to his progress at Stamford Bridge for his boyhood side.
To date, he’s only managed to make 23 appearances over the last two seasons in West London, highlighting how much injuries have affected his game time.
However, 12 of those have come in 2024/25, with his latest showing in the Europa Conference League being one of his best since Maresca’s appointment in the summer.
The Englishman scored from a central midfield role, with the Italian boss having faith in utilising the academy graduate in such a role going forward – albeit being an unnatural role given his regular right-back position.
As good as his showing was in Copenhagen last night, James has been outperformed by another player who was previously on the Blues’ books a couple of years ago.
The former Chelsea star who’s outperforming James in 2024/25
Since the takeover of Todd Boehly in 2022, Chelsea have seen a huge turnover of players to try and aid their ambitions of returning to the top of the Premier League.
Whilst the club have made the right call in allowing numerous players to leave West London, some players have taken their careers to the next level after departing, which has seen the Blues regret their decision.
Right-back Davide Zappacosta spent four years at the club, two of which were in the first team, racking up 52 appearances during his stint at the Bridge.
However, after various loan spells back in his homeland of Italy, he would permanently move back to former side Atalanta for a fee in the region of £8m – a deal which saw them lose £15m on their investment a couple of years prior.
There’s no denying that Zappacosta failed to deliver during his stint in England, but he’s since recaptured his form in Serie A – leading to commentator Adam Summerton dubbing him “sensational”.
When delving into his stats from the ongoing campaign, the Italian has outperformed current first-team ace James, showcasing his impressive form after leaving a couple of years ago.
Games played
20
10
Goals & assists
5
1
Progressive carries
2.9
0.8
Carries into final third
1.6
0.6
Shots taken
1.7
0.8
% of tackles won
45%
33%
Crosses completed
4.6
4.6
He’s registered more combined goals and assists to date, whilst also notching more progressive carries per 90, having the skills to make an impact in the final third.
Zappacosta has also won more of the tackles he’s entered this season, having the defensive qualities to add to Maresca’s side had they kept hold of the full-back.
Given his form away from the Blues, it may have been a mistake to allow the Italian to leave the club, potentially adding further quality to the backline and enhancing their chances of success.
However, their loss is Atalanta’s gain, with the 32-year-old playing a huge role in their ambitions of claiming a league title come the end of the campaign.
Saved by James & Enzo: Chelsea dud must not start again after 4/10 display
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ByEthan LambMar 6, 2025