Chelsea: Reece James provides latest fitness update after first training session in Abu Dhabi
Chelsea right back Reece James has weathered some trying times since his injury in October, having missed most of the action in the Champions League group stages, Premier League’s stuffed fixture period and of course, the FIFA World Cup.
The 23-year-old had scalped two goals and bagged three assists this season, before a knee injury ruled him out for a long period in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over AC Milan. Cesar Azpilicueta had to deputise for James in the 62nd minute, following a promising first-half that saw Chelsea go two up against the Serie A champions.
The Blues are set to dust off their boots and return to action against Aston Villa tomorrow, on the back of a warm weather training setup in Abu Dhabi.
James was seen training with the camp for the first time since his setback, and Chelsea boss Graham Potter confirmed his star defenders are not far off.
“Reece is not quite fully training but he’s integrating into training along with Wesley [Fofana]. Wesley is a little bit further behind but not too far,” said Potter.
James spoke to the club website as well, after a strenuous session on a cool, clear evening, expressing his frustration at missing out on England’s World Cup campaign.
“It’s been a while to get out there,” he said. “It’s been frustrating to miss the World Cup, and it is taking longer than what I first hoped. But it’s good to be back, it was my first training today with the boys, first contact training, so it feels good.”
When asked about both himself and Ben Chilwell being injured at the same time last season he added “Of course, last season we both got injured pretty much at the same time, it’s not ideal, especially when we both missed such a major tournament. But you can only deal with the cards you’ve got dealt and it’s obviously tough, but you got to look at the positives.”
Chelsea have missed James dearly as he’s an all-round contributor on both ends of the pitch. The fairy tale chapters written in this World Cup has drawn attention away from Chelsea’s struggles, as they concluded the first chunk of their season with four defeats in five matches.
N’Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana are the other two prominent names in the treatment room for Chelsea. Potter’s preferred goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, should also be fit to return between the sticks.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion boss must have had plenty of time to relax and refocus ahead of the January transfer window. Perhaps, the World Cup was a welcome break for him and his team.
We’ll obviously find out when Chelsea host AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on December 27th.
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: James Boyes. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.