Although the returns of Ben Chilwell, Mateo Kovacic, Wesley Fofana and Denis Zakaria are all timely for Chelsea ahead of the trip to Borussia Dortmund, it's another player that will be the most important for Graham Potter.
Raheem Sterling is still out after suffering a setback, Christian Pulisic remains sidelined and N'Golo Kante, though nearing fitness, is still some weeks away from action. Nevertheless, the squad Potter has for the Champions League tie is almost certainly his strongest for several months.
He has been firefighting at Stamford Bridge, papering over cracks left by consistent injuries to star players across the squad. Although it will take time for the old squad to mix with those that have been added in January as well as integrate with those emerging from the treatment room it is still a big boost.
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Chiefly amongst this pack is Reece James. The 23-year-old has now started two games in a row but hasn't been able to make the desired impact on results. A team with James in is stronger than one without, though, and the very ability to have him available is reason to be positive.
Arguably his best performance of the season came in Europe too, locking down Rafael Leao at Stamford Bridge in the 3-0 win before assisting for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and scoring a goal of his own. The impact he has on those around him is currently unrivalled in the squad.
Such is the nature of his effect on others, Ian Wright believes he is right up there with the very best in his position. Speaking on The Kelly and Wrighty show, he said: "He’s got everything. Defending, attacking, technical ability. Everything. Everything in respects of a right-back right now, I think him and Hakimi are the best in the world right now. He’s just brilliant, he’s a fantastic player."
Hakimi, who Chelsea were keen on signing in 2021 as a rotational option alongside James, was part of the Paris Saint-Germain team that lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich on Tuesday. His remarkable World Cup with Morocco as well as blistering speed from fullback has made him one of the most revered players in the world.
James has a different style. Preferring to come inside with the ball, capable of shrugging off opponents and offering more attacking output than Hakimi. All of those attributes will be needed as he ventures into the last-16 tie against Dortmund as a Champions League winner and now a true master of his trade.
An example of his quality perhaps comes in the form of Tottenham's own European struggle. Whereas James was able to stop Leao effectively, the winger was dominant against Antonio Conte's men, completing eight dribbles. This is the most by any player in a game in this season's competition.
Spurs were unable to keep him under wraps but James was, demonstrating the quality of player that Potter has at his disposal.
You can watch live coverage of Chelsea's trip to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on BT Sport, here.
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