Reece James has strongly hinted he will make his long-awaited return from injury tonight when Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest.
The Blues captain has seen another season largely derailed by injury, yet to play a game in 2024.
After missing the start of the season with a hamstring injury, James played eight times under Mauricio Pochettino before he was forced to undergo surgery in December.
James, who also missed large portions of last season along with the 2022 World Cup with a knee injury, has returned to training in recent weeks, hopeful of getting minutes under his belt before the end of the Premier League campaign.
Chelsea take on Forest at the City Ground in Saturday’s evening kick-off with James seemingly confirming he will be involved – possibly from the start – after tweeting: ‘See you at 5:30 Blues’.
Pochettino meanwhile confirmed his right-back was closing in on a return at his press conference on Friday.
‘We need to see today but maybe he can be available in the squad, yes,’ Pochettino said.
‘The most important thing is that he is going to be with us. Always to have your captain is a massive boost for any team. We have an amazing relationship and he is an amazing player.
‘It’s not easy when you come back from a long-term injury.
‘The most important thing is for him to be available and be part of the squad and if he can play five, 10, 15 or 30 minutes it will be amazing. It’s unlucky there are only three games left.’
Chelsea have been ravaged by injuries this season and were still without 14 members of their squad for the 2-0 win over Tottenham at the start of the month.
With the club still battling for European qualification, those problems have begun to ease with Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku returning to action last weekend, where Levi Colwill was also back in the squad.
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