Chelsea ready to offer 2 Blues stars a wage hike for their performance this season: Reports
Chelsea are reportedly willing to offer wage hikes to Malo Gusto and Noni Madueke, who have put in impressive performances so far this season. Both players joined the club in January 2023 and are contracted with the Blues until the summer of 2030.
The Blues replaced Mauricio Pochettino with Italian tactician Enzo Maresca ahead of the 2024-25 season. Since taking charge at Stamford Bridge, Maresca has improved the performances and mood at the club. Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League table with 19 points from 11 matches.
As per TBR Football, the Italian tactician is keen to reward Malo Gusto and Noni Madueke for their performances in the ongoing campaign.
Gusto has started nine Premier League games this season and provided one assist. The French full-back has become an important part of Maresca's starting XI in the absence of Reece James due to injury.
Noni Madueke has also impressed the Italian tactician. He joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven and has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in 59 matches for the Blues.
Madueke has started 10 Premier League matches for Chelsea this season, scoring four goals, including a memorable hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Neither player is among the highest earners in the team and as per the aforementioned report, they're expected to get a pay boost ahead of the new season.
Chelsea skipper Reece James suffers hamstring injury ahead of Leicester clash
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Reece James suffered an injury setback during the team's training on Tuesday. Due to the injury, the English defender will miss the Blues' Premier League clash against Leicester City on Saturday, November 23.
However, Maresca was hopeful that James will return before the Blues host Unai Emery's Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, December 1. The Italian technician said (via the Standard):
"Hope it's not something long. We have for sure just one injured player which is Reece. Unfortunately he felt something small and we don't want to take any risks this weekend. He's the only one who for sure is unavailable this week."
He added:
"It's a hamstring. It's a muscle problem. We don't want to take any risks for this weekend. He is out for sure this weekend and then we'll see. Hopefully (he can be) for the next one. Now we start to play every three days so it is difficult that he will be available for the Conference League. Hopefully he can be available soon."
James made his return earlier this season during the Blues' 2-1 loss to Liverpool on October 20. He was in the starting XI against Newcastle United and Manchester United. However, Reece James came on as a late substitute against Arsenal on November 10.