Chelsea fans have been given a glimpse into Enzo Maresca’s thinking as he prepares for the return of two key players from injury – Reece James and Romeo Lavia. The new Chelsea boss, speaking candidly about the pair, acknowledged both their immense quality and the careful management they require after long spells on the sidelines.

“I spent one entire season with Romeo when I was at the Under-21s with Man City, so I know Romeo very well,” Maresca revealed. The Italian tactician’s familiarity with Lavia’s game is a bonus for Chelsea, especially as the young Belgian midfielder looks to kickstart his Blues career after an injury-hit debut campaign.

Maresca didn’t hold back in his praise, placing Lavia in elite company alongside the club captain. “For us it’s like Reece, they are both top players. The only shame for us is that unfortunately we need to manage them,” he said.

“We need to protect them,” Maresca continued. “But there’s no doubt that Chelsea with Reece and Romeo is a better team.”

In a season where consistency and solidity have been elusive, the return of Reece James and Romeo Lavia could provide the foundation Maresca needs to transform Chelsea into serious contenders again.

Lavia, still only 21, has already drawn huge praise from Maresca, who knows what the midfielder is capable of when fit and firing. “When he is fit, Romeo is one of the best midfielders, because he can defend very well, he can attack, he can break the line with the passes between the lines,” Maresca said. “It’s unbelievable. He is very good and hopefully we can have him until the end of the season.”