Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca reveals why Reece James was taken off at half-time of Blues' FA Cup win over Morecambe

Maresca divulged that it was always the plan for his returning captain to only play half of the match as his minutes are managed. James has only made five appearances this season as he continues to battle a debilitating injury record and the Blues are determined not to ask for too much too soon as he gets up to speed again.

Chelsea eased to a 5-0 victory over fourth-tier opposition at Stamford Bridge, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Joao Felix scoring braces and Christopher Nkunku also finding the net. The return of James from the start is one of the biggest plusses of the day from Maresca's perspective, however, as his side continue to fight across three different competitions.

On removing James from the action after 45 minutes, Maresca said: "For him and Romeo Lavia, it was just to protect them. The idea was to play 45 minutes. Hopefully we can start from there and build some physical condition to be with us for the rest of the season. The idea is to slowly, slowly build the right condition, especially with Reece. We have to be a little bit more careful. The good thing is that they both play 45 minutes, both finish well without any problem. Hopefully now we can start to help them to build the right condition."

Maresca has had to be creative at right-back this season, using Moises Caicedo and Axel Disasi, as well as natural Malo Gusto, in that role. Should James return as a bona fide option, he has the ability to nail down that position and improve his side's prospects in the Premier League, Conference League and FA Cup.