Huge boost for Chelsea as influential figure returns to training ahead of Forest clash
Chelsea have been handed a significant boost with the return of Reece James from injury, who had been sidelined due to illness and muscle tightness.
The England international, (h/t Evening Standard ), missed Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City last Saturday due to illness. The 23-year-old is anticipated to be fit for Saturday’s Premier League match against Everton at Stamford Bridge after joining the rest of the team for training on Tuesday morning.
Having missed the 2022 World Cup owing to a knee injury, he will also be vying for a spot in the England squad for the upcoming international break.
But the defender has only been present in slightly more than half of Chelsea’s games this year, so the Blues are aware that they will need to actively monitor him in the weeks following the international break.
And with Cesar Azpilicueta also out with a head injury, Potter was in a terrible bind as to who to play in James’ position against Leicester. The 47-year-old was able to identify James’ backup as he utilised Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who did a respectable job at right-back.
Loftus-Cheek has participated in 18 Premier League games this campaign and will have to play outside of his natural position as Chelsea don’t have James’ backup for now.
The pressure has also lowered on Potter, who has now enjoyed three straight victories for the first time this year and will be hoping this trend continues when the former Swansea City side takes on struggling Everton on Saturday.
James’ return from the injury will give him great relief too, but the team will need to take a proper assessment of the 23-year-old as it seems he has not yet recovered completely.
Also, it looks like playing him every game is leading to muscle fatigue. Loftus-Cheek, who has performed pretty well at right back, can be used as James’ backup until the end of the season.
These issues will be a bit easier to deal with next season when Malo Gusto joins us permanently from Olympique Lyonnais.
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