Mauricio Pochettino reveals Reece James return plan as Chelsea captain substituted in Carabao Cup win over Blackburn

• James returned to action following an injury break
• Was just his second start this season
• Pochettino being "careful" with the defender

WHAT HAPPENED? The Chelsea manager is adopting a cautious strategy with James who made his second start of the season following a lengthy injury layoff during the Blues' 2-0 victory over Blackburn, thanks to goals from Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling.

James had been nursing a hamstring injury that he picked up in August on the opening day of the season against Liverpool and although he showed promise on his return to action, Pochettino does not want to rush him and hence replace the full-back with Malo Gusto in the second half.

WHAT THEY SAID: “The plan was to check at half-time how (James) was feeling, and after 15 minutes he starts to feel tired and we’re checking from the second half, and we need to be careful how we manage him," he told reporters.

"We decided to make the change because I think it is important now, the progression, and being careful about not going back, sometimes (you) play 90 minutes and maybe take some risks, but we need to avoid this. It’s true that we cannot 100 per cent avoid risk, but the plan is to go little by little.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Pochettino admitted having James back into the mix was psychologically important as it not only boosted the morale of the team but also lifted the stadium.

"Is really important, always. When you decide that he's your captain it is important that they stay fit, can play and help the team," he said.

"He’s an important player for us. He’s an amazing player, for me one of the best full-backs in the world. Unlucky that he only played 70-75 minutes against Liverpool in the first game and until today didn't play. The temptation is okay, come on go and play 90 minutes but we need to be careful. Little by little he is going to get fit and cope with the demand of the games.'

IN TWO PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? It remains to be seen how Pochettino will manage James as Chelsea make a trip to north London to take on Tottenham in the Premier League next Monday.