Chelsea have no injuries as they welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge for their opening Premier League clash. The Blues suffered an injury crisis last season, but Enzo Maresca has nearly the entire squad to choose from.
Chelsea confirmed on their official website that Reece James is the only absentee against City, as he’s currently suspended. The 24-year-old was sent off in May’s 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion for kicking out at Joao Pedro.
Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard said James was given a four-match ban, so he’ll miss three games this season. While a loss for Maresca, Chelsea do have Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi who can deputise at right-back.
Gusto likely to get the nod
Gusto seems the more likely player to come in for James. The 21-year-old has made 41 appearances in all competitions since his £26.3m move from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023.
Gusto featured in 27 Premier League games last season and has proven a more dependable right-back than James. The French international had a couple of minor injuries in 2023/24 but only missed a handful of games.
Gusto played when James was injured, so it’s unlikely that Maresca will choose another right-back against Man City.
Chelsea starting the season without James again
James made 11 appearances in all competitions last season, amassing less than 500 minutes of playing time. He missed two months at the beginning of the campaign and was out for the last five months.
James featured in only one Premier League game between August and October last year, and history has repeated itself. He missed seven of Chelsea’s first eight league games due to a hamstring injury, and he’s suspended.
James is a talented player, but Chelsea have had to cope without him for a long time. Gusto is more than capable of facing City, as he’s been a regular fixture in the last 18 months.
