Reece James sends Chelsea 10-word message as Enzo Maresca told exactly what he wants to hear

Reece James has issued a promising injury update ahead of Chelsea’s first pre-season clash. Enzo Maresca will be looking to get off to a winning start when the Blues face Wrexham at the Levi’s Stadium in the United States later this month. The Blues captain will also be hoping to finally return to action following an injury-ridden campaign.

James suffered a hamstring problem at the start of last season, missing seven of Chelsea’s opening eight games. The 24-year-old defender was eventually reintroduced towards the end of October, captaining his side to a 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur and a 4-4 draw against Manchester City. Then, in December, James suffered a reoccurrence of his ongoing muscle issue .

He eventually opted for surgery, hoping to cure himself of any more hamstring difficulties. After a few more months on the sidelines, the England international made his return towards the end of the season and provided a match-winning assist against Nottingham Forest .

James was then shown a red card in Chelsea’s penultimate game of the Premier League season, ruling himself out of this term’s opening two fixtures. Nevertheless, the right-back has been working hard at Cobham , eager to impress his new manager.

Ahead of the Blues’ first pre-season clash next week, James posted a message on his Instagram story. Alongside a picture of himself in training, he wrote: “Step by step, day by day. The countdown is on!” In May, shortly before he was sacked, Mauricio Pochettino backed James to return to his best.

The former Chelsea boss said: “It has obviously been a very difficult season for Reece but now we need to help him move on, to accept the punishment that for sure will be there. “The most important thing now is that we back him, we trust in him and that we help him to be ready for pre-season, to start to train and build his fitness. Then the talent is there for sure that next season he’s going to be one of the best players again in the Premier League.”