Chelsea Confirm Reece James Fit Ahead Manchester United Clash Amid Forward Injuries

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that captain Reece James is fit and expected to play in Friday's crucial Premier League match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, following a brief illness. However, the Blues face significant challenges in attack due to the suspension of first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson and the injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu, who are not yet ready to start. With no Jadon Sancho available due to ineligibility against his parent club, Maresca is considering alternative attacking options, such as using a false nine or relying on players like Pedro Neto and Tyrique George to fill the striker role. The match is pivotal for Chelsea as a win, coupled with a victory against Nottingham Forest in the final round, would secure Champions League qualification for the 2025-26 season. Maresca acknowledged the difficulty of facing a Manchester United lineup featuring three center-backs and two wing-backs, emphasizing the need to adapt their attacking strategy without a traditional number nine. These developments underscore the pressure on Chelsea to find effective solutions amid a depleted squad as they pursue a top-five league finish.