EFL Cup

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EFL Cup | Round of 16

Nov 1, 2023 at 7.45pm UK

Stamford Bridge

Chelsea
2 - 0
Blackburn

Badiashile (30'), Sterling (59')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Pickering (23'), Sigurdsson (81')

Mauricio Pochettino: 'Chelsea won't rush Reece James despite EFL Cup start'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 01 November 2023

Pochettino: 'Chelsea won't rush James despite EFL Cup start'

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino suggests that he will not rush the comeback of Reece James despite the defender's start against Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Cup.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has hinted that he will remain cautious with the comeback of Reece James after injury.

Up until after the October international break, James had not featured in a Chelsea first-team squad since the opening day of the season.

However, after two recent substitute appearances against Arsenal and Brentford, the club captain was included in the starting lineup for Wednesday's night EFL Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers.

The academy graduate featured for just over an hour as the Blues recorded a 2-0 victory over the Championship outfit courtesy of goals from Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling.

Having coming through unscathed, there will now be suggestions that James could keep his place for the showdown with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on November 6.

Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on November 1, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, Pochettino has given every indication that he will not take any risks with a second start in the space of a week, particularly in a game of that magnitude.

Speaking to reporters, as quoted by football.london, the Argentine said: "Thhe plan was to check at half time how he feels. After 15 minutes he started to feel tired and the second half he was a little bit tired and we need to be careful how we manage him.

"In that moment we made a change. It's important now, the progression to be careful and not to go back. We cannot avoid 100% risk but the plan is to go little by little."

He added: "It's really important. It's important they, your captain stay fit and can help the team. One of the best full-backs in the world.

"Unlucky he only played 70 minutes against Liverpool and until now didn't play. Little by little he will get fit and cope with the demand of the games."

Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi or Marc Cucurella appear likely to deputise for James when Chelsea make the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.