Enzo Maresca has set Reece James a clear challenge after the Chelsea captain scored a last-minute equaliser for the Blues against Bournemouth.

Cole Palmer had put the west Londoners ahead at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night but the home side failed to convert any of their additional chances. The Cherries found themselves back in the game after the break when Justin Kluivert converted from the penalty spot before Antoine Semenyo gave the away side the lead with a pile-driver on 68 minutes.

Chelsea were not to be beaten though as James stepped up late on to score his first competitive goal in more than two years. It was the 25-year-old's sixth appearance of the season, with hamstring injuries restricting him greatly over the past two years.

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Asked how big a goal it was, Maresca said in his post match press conference: "I am very happy for him. He deserved that after a difficult moment. It also gave us the point so I am happy for him and I am happy for us.

"I am very pleased, especially for him. I am so happy for him that he had this moment and the target for him is to be fit until the end and for him to help us in the way we want to play."

Asked if James taking the free-kick was a sign of his leadership qualities, Maresca said: "For sure, it is something good to see but also with free-kicks, Reece can compare with Cole in terms of free-kicks because he is very good. We decided for Reece and he scored and we are all happy because at least we took a point."

James himself knows he must now stay fit. The goal on Tuesday night will help his confidence and all associated with the Blues will be hoping more is to come from the right-back.

"I knew the free-kick was shooting distance. It felt like that side of the goal was open, so I tried to finish it as well as I could," James said after the match, reflecting on his goal.

"There was a period that I was scoring quite frequently but I haven't had that feeling in a quite a long time through injuries and setbacks. I'm happy to be back with the team and happy to get back on the score sheet again and help the team."