Chelsea captain Reece James is set to return to full team training in the coming week after a lengthy layoff due to injury, Afrosport reports.
The 24-year-old right-back has been unavailable for selection for the Blues this season since he suffered a recurring hamstring injury in a pre-season against Real Madrid back in July.
In James’ absence, Malo Gusto has stepped in at right-back, playing five times in the Premier League and seven times in all competitions, totalling 491 minutes.
Enzo Fernandez has also taken the captain’s armband in James’ absence being the assistant captain. The Argentine has started seven games as the Blues captain this season.
James has been struggling with series of injuries for much of his career since breaking into the first team during the 2019-20 season.
He has been sidelined 19 times with multiple injuries ranging from ankle, muscle, knee, tigh and hamstring problems.
The Chelsea academy graduate has been cumulatively out for more than 675 days and has missed more than 125 games combined in the past six seasons.
