Chelsea handed major injury boost as key player returns to full training - Reports
Chelsea defender Reece James has reportedly returned to full training after making his comeback from injury. The news comes from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who provided an update about the player's fitness on his X account (formerly Twitter).
James has constantly suffered injuries the last couple of seasons, which has seen him make limited appearances for the Blues. In the 2023/24 campaign, he made just 11 appearances across competitions, bagging two assists in the process.
Since August of this year, the England international has been sidelined due to a hamstring problem. Therefore, James has yet to make a competitive appearance this season.
Speaking about the right-back, Romano wrote on X:
"Reece James has returned to team training, as Chelsea confirm. Excellent news for Enzo Maresca."
This is certainly a massive boost for the west Londoners, who have enjoyed a good start to the new Premier League campaign. So far, they've racked up 14 points in seven matches and are placed fourth in the standings. They're only four points short of leaders Liverpool.
In James' absence, the likes of Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi have had to fill in. During Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest before the international break, it was Gusto who was asked to play in this position.
When fit, James has mostly played an important part for the Blues. Throughout his career at Stamford Bridge, he's made 158 senior appearances for the club, bagging 11 goals and 22 assists.
Chelsea's Reece James considering Barcelona move for health reasons - Reports
Chelsea star Reece James' camp have reportedly been approached by Barcelona and Benfica over a move for the 24-year-old defender. The news comes from Football Transfers, who believe that the player has been advised to play in warmer conditions for his long-term health.
Should this be the direction that James wants to head in, the Blues could certainly make a few million selling their player in the coming transfer windows. With the defender contracted at Stamford Bridge till the summer of 2028, a transfer for the Englishman will certainly not be cheap.
Barcelona could be a rather appealing option, given the club's history and their start to the season under new manager Hansi Flick. The Blaugrana are top of the La Liga standings, three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
Moreover, James could expect regular minutes with Jules Kounde, a natural centre-back playing the right-back position at Camp Nou.