Chelsea News Today: Mudryk TRUTH, James REPLACEMENT, Maresca PRESS CONFERENCE

Cameron Smith

• 20 Sept 2024 17:30 BST
• 4 min read

FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea news updates, including Reece James replacement options, the truth about Mykhailo Mudryk and the highlights from Enzo Maresca’s press conference.

Reece James to leave?

Chelsea are reportedly targeting a new right-back in 2025 amid concerns over Reece James’ dire injury record.

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The England defender has missed nearly 100 games through injury over the past four years and he is currently sidelined through a hamstring problem - with Enzo Maresca admitting James isn't yet fit to play,

As a result, Chelsea have drawn up a five-man shortlist to replace James. According to TBR Football, the west London club are monitoring Jules Kounde, Jeremie Frimpong, Kiliann Sildillia, Michael Kayode and Geovany Quenda.

Malo Gusto remains an able back-up to James, but he is also injured and Chelsea are eyeing a new right-back in order to tackle this problem.

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Mykhailo Mudryk truth

Mykhailo Mudryk has been linked with a January move away from Chelsea, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed the truth behind these rumours.

The Ukraine international has struggled since joining the Stamford Bridge outfit and Marseille have reportedly registered their interest in a mid-season swoop.

However, Romano has denied such claims. “There's absolutely zero truth in the story that Mykhailo Mudryk wants to leave Chelsea,” he wrote for the Daily Briefing.

“Mudryk has not made any decision to leave, and there are no talks taking place with any club.

“Full focus remains on Chelsea and on doing his best under Maresca, while Chelsea also hope to see him at his best soon.

“So there's really nothing in this ‘story’ - I don't even know where this is coming from to be fair.”

Enzo Maresca on attacking options

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that he currently has two options in each attacking position, with Pedro Neto expected to be deployed on the right following Jadon Sancho’s arrival.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of the match versus West Ham, he told reporters: “Hopefully I can clarify. As a left winger, we have Jadon [Sancho] and Misha [Mykhailo Mudryk].

“On the right, we have Noni [Madueke] and Pedro [Neto]. As a 10 we have Cole [Palmer] and Joao [Felix]. As a nine we have Christoph [Nkunku] and Nicolas [Jackson].”

Enzo Maresca on Josh Acheampong

Despite the injuries to James and Gusto, Maresca opted to use Axel Disasi at right-back versus Bournemouth, instead of academy star Josh Acheampong.

However, the Italian has explained his decision, admitting: “I really like Josh. For me, he can potentially be a top defender in the future.

“With young players, I like to modify them a little bit. Today, they can change really quickly. They can think they are so good, or so bad, but you need to moderate the way they join us.”

Estevao concern

Estevao will join Chelsea in 2025, but the Blues will have to manage the Brazilian very carefully upon his arrival.

That is because he has already racked up over 3,000 minutes of senior football, despite being just 17 years old, and he is being completely overworked.

As a result, he has suffered three separate injuries in three successive months, with his latest blow coming against Criciuma on Sunday.

Estevao went down with a thigh injury during the match and he is expected to be ruled out for up to four weeks, according to Brazilian outlet Nosso Palestra (via The Secret Scout).

It comes after two separate ankle injuries had sidelined the Brazilian teenager in July and August.