Chelsea captain Reece James has returned to first-team training for the first time this season, according to Daily Cannon.
Softfootball added that James’ return is a major boost for Chelsea ahead of a crucial run of fixtures, with the defender now targeting full fitness before the Blues’ highly anticipated Premier League clash against Arsenal. While he is unlikely to start immediately, the England international could be in contention to feature when the London rivals meet in just over three weeks.
Although it may still take a few weeks before James is ready to start matches, his recovery has raised optimism within the Chelsea camp.
Since making his senior debut for Chelsea in 2019, James has endured a frustrating record against Arsenal due to recurring injury setbacks.
The right-back missed the away fixture in the 2019/20 season with an ankle injury before sitting out the reverse fixture because of a bruise.
He featured in both league meetings over the following two campaigns but was sidelined again for the home fixture in the 2022/23 season with a knee injury and later missed the away game with another ankle problem.
James technically appeared in Chelsea’s home draw against Arsenal during the 2023/24 season, but only came on for the final six minutes after returning from injury before subsequently missing the 5-0 defeat at the Emirates following surgery.
