Back in action: Reece James’ return to training is a big boost for Chelsea
(Picture: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)Reece James is back in full first team training after overcoming the knee injury that put him out of the World Cup.
The 22-year-old returned for his club’s first session in Abu Dhabi at their warm weather training camp.
It is a major boost to Graham Potter’s side, who suffered a drastic downturn in form after his injury sustained at the San Siro against AC Milan in the Champions League.
The wing back spoke of his ‘devastation’ after being left out of the Three Lions squad that travelled to Qatar, believing he could have played a role.
Gareth Southgate’s decision may have been vindicated by the fact he only returned after the round of 16 win over Senegal.
Chelsea lost four of their last five games to put their top four hopes in doubt and that run saw the Blues knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
It’s the first major return for Chelsea in a period that also saw them lose a host of players to injury with Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell and Kepa Arrizabalaga among those who have been out.
Fofana and Chilwell are also hoping to return for Chelsea’s first game back after the international break for the World Cup ends in late December.
The Blues next face Aston Villa in a friendly in Abu Dhabi on December 11 before facing Bournemouth on December 27 in a must-win Premier League match.
