What Chelsea staff are all saying about Reece James’ future after fitness challenge

Add as preferred source on Google

TBR Football understands that Chelsea feel they have been proven right with Reece James and how they have decided to handle him in recent seasons.

The Chelsea captain has made an impressive start to the 2025-26 season for both club and country, with James gaining plenty of plaudits from fans and pundits alike for his performances.

The Blues haven’t wrapped him in cotton wool, but Enzo Maresca has managed his minutes to ensure he can get the best out of the right-back long-term.

There is love between James and Chelsea that goes both ways, and the club are happy with how his injuries and off-field noise, such as speculation that he should be sold, have been handled.

Exclusive: Chelsea have no intention of selling Reece James

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – has been told that Chelsea have no intention of selling James at any stage in the future, nor is the club looking at younger options to sign.

Right now, both sides are really happy with how things are developing, and Chelsea have no problem with the situation at England.

Thomas Tuchel opted to start James in both of England’s recent World Cup qualifiers despite the close proximity of the fixtures, but he got through those games unscathed.

Chelsea believe they have the best right-back in world football, and they are equally confident that James will prove that moving forward.

The club captain is expected to play a big role this season, and staff anticipate him helping to push Chelsea and England toward Premier League and World Cup success.

The Blues couldn’t be happier with the situation regarding James, with all the current signs being positive.

Reece James has played more frequently for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca

From the moment James broke into the Chelsea squad under Frank Lampard, he’s been a consistent presence in the starting line-up.

It was under Tuchel that he truly thrived, helping the Blues win the Champions League with his consistent goals and assists, but after that, he had a torrid time with injuries.

Maresca opted to rotate James after taking charge at Stamford Bridge, using Malo Gusto to ensure that the Englishman got time to rest, which saw him feature regularly last season.

James has already played all four of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season, while also picking up an assist for England.