Reece James is set to return to match action for Chelsea at the upcoming Club World Cup, handing Thomas Tuchel a significant boost in the Premier League run-in.
Chelsea's 2-0 win against Tottenham on Sunday was just their second win in their previous eight top-flight games, closing the gap on Manchester City to 10 points.
With both James and Ben Chilwell missing throughout January, Tuchel's side have lost a large part of their attacking impetus, scoring just six goals in their last five games.
But while Chilwell is set to remain sidelined for the remainder of the season with a cruciate ligament rupture, James is nearing a return from his hamstring injury.
In fact, the Athletic have reported that the 22-year-old is set to return to action at the Club World Cup that is scheduled to kick-off on February 9 in the United Arab Emirates.
Ahead of the clash with Spurs, Tuchel revealed that James had returned to training, but that the London derby would come too soon for the player.
"We have a timeframe [on Reece’s return] but we will not make it public because we will just get asked about the timeframe," Tuchel told his pre-match press conference.
"He is back on the pitch which is good news, but he is in individual training so far away from being a part of the squad for Sunday."
It is news that will give their hopes of getting back into the Premier League title race a much-needed boost.
While it would take a monumental effort to overtake Manchester City, James will at least return to action in time for their next top-flight clash: an away trip to Crystal Palace on February 19.
Prior to his injury, James was Chelsea's biggest attacking threat, scoring five goals and assisting six more in all competitions, establishing himself as one of Europe's best wing-back talents.
