CHELSEA star Reece James could return for next week’s West London derby with Fulham, according to reports.
The right-back has missed the last six games in all comps after injuring his knee on his comeback against Bournemouth last month.
PAReece James is on the verge of returning from a knee injury[/caption]
That came after he spent almost three months on the sidelines after suffering a knee problem against AC Milan back in October.
But James appears to have put his nightmare behind him.
That’s because the Telegraph claim that he’s likely to be considered for selection on Friday after recently returning to training.
Chelsea have reportedly beaten off competition from Manchester United to sign Malo Gusto, who will provide cover for James from next season.
But the 23-year-old remains a key part of Graham Potter’s plans with Blues losing just one of the seven Premier League games he’s started this term.
In stark contrast, Chelsea have lost SIX of the 12 matches that James has missed, collecting just 10 points from a possible 36.
Therefore, Potter will be desperate to keep him fit and James will equally want to prove himself of England’s first Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine in March.
In another boost, Ben Chilwell, who’s been out since before the World Cup with a hamstring injury, could also be included in the squad to face Fulham.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
Although the left-back is likely to be on the bench having been out for almost three months.
But Chelsea still have a long absentee list with Edouard Mendy, Wesley Fofana, Denis Zakaria, Raheem Sterling, N’Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja all still sidelined.