Chelsea fullback Reece James is set to be fit for their Club World Cup campaign next month.
The 22-year-old defender has been missing since the end of December after picking up a hamstring problem during a 1-1 draw at Brighton.
England international James has been a key figure for Thomas Tuchel’s side this season, scoring four goals and registering five assists in his 16 Premier League games to date so far.
The Athletic says James will return to first-team training in just under a fortnight as he looks to put his recent injury woes behind him.
James has missed Chelsea’s last four Premier League matches but the Blues’ chances of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title have evaporated in that time.
The wing-back should also be fit and available for the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie against Lille and the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool later in February.
James had been in scintillating form before his injury, scoring five times and laying on six more from his wide-right position in Tuchel’s three-at-the-back system. His return is timely as Chelsea continue to fight in four cup competitions.
