Graham Potter has been handed a significant fitness boost, with Reece James returning to training ahead of a clash with Borussia Dortmund.
The injury-plagued right-back missed the weekend’s Premier League win over Leeds United owing to a tight hamstring, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek filled in at wing-back.
Chelsea defeated the Whites 1-0 thanks to Wesley Fofana’s header, and Graham Potter stated before the game that James’ absence was mainly precautionary.
According to the Evening Standard, James was able to participate in training at Cobham on Monday morning as his side prepares for Dortmund’s visit to Stamford Bridge.
During a disrupted 2022-23 season, the England international made only 16 club appearances, scoring two goals and setting up two more.
James was forced to miss the 2022 World Cup due to a major knee injury, and he only made a brief comeback against Bournemouth in December before returning to the treatment room.
However, the 23-year-old’s comeback has relieved Potter’s concerns on the right side, where Cesar Azpilicueta has also been absent recently due to concussion protocol, having been hospitalized with a head injury suffered in Chelsea’s loss to Southampton on February 18.
See Also: Joao Felix Reveals Conditions For Long-Term Chelsea Future
According to the report, Azpilicueta was not in training with the club on Monday morning as he gradually returns to action, but Chelsea received two more fitness boosts in addition to James’ anticipated return.
N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic were both back in full training as they work their way back from hamstring and knee injuries, respectively, but the former is unlikely to be considered for selection considering his lengthy absence.
Nevertheless, Pulisic will only make the bench against his former club, while Edouard Mendy, Thiago Silva, and Armando Broja are all out with long-term injuries.
COMMENTS