Premier League news: go bananas: Maresca loving fans’ show of defiance; James injury blow for Blues

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca and Chelsea captain Reece James face challenges ahead of their Premier League matches.

The full report

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has called on fans to bring inflatable bananas to the team's first Premier League home game since being found guilty of financial breaches. The novelty items have become a popular symbol among City fans, dating back to the 1980s and 1990s when the team played in the second and third tiers.

Maresca expressed his appreciation for the fans' show of defiance, saying, 'Very nice,' and 'I hope tomorrow I can see many bananas in the stadium.' He believes the inflatables create a positive environment for the fans and the team. Maresca's comments come after the team dropped points for the first time under his management, losing 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

City are currently three points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. A victory against Ipswich would make Maresca the first manager to win their first seven Premier League games with a club. The team is playing under a backdrop of external criticism, with Maresca urging fans to 'make our noise' and 'win at Anfield.'

Meanwhile, Chelsea captain Reece James is facing a longer-than-expected recovery from knee surgery. The 26-year-old was injured in training before last weekend's 5-1 win at home to Bournemouth and has undergone successful surgery. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said James will not be hurried back from injury and may be out until the new year.

Alonso expressed disappointment for James, saying, 'We're all disappointed for him.' He added that James is a great influence on the team, even when he's not available. Alonso believes the team can manage well with the players they have, but James' absence will be felt. James was not one of the five players to withdraw from England duty during the break, but he now looks set to miss the next international window.