Injury-Plagued Right-Back Boosts Chelsea’s Chances for Champions League Last-16 Tie
Reece James is back in training for Chelsea ahead of their big clash with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last-16 second leg on Tuesday night. This is a much-needed boost for the Blues, who were missing the talented right-back during their Premier League victory over Leeds United over the weekend due to a tight hamstring.
Although Ruben Loftus-Cheek stepped up to take over wing-back duties in James’ absence, the team definitely missed the 23-year-old’s flair on the field. But fear not, as James has been able to take part in training on Monday morning, according to the Evening Standard.
This season has been a difficult one for James, who has only made 16 appearances for Chelsea due to various injuries. He was even forced to miss the 2022 World Cup due to a severe knee injury, and has only made a brief return against Bournemouth in December before having to enter the treatment room again.
However, with James’ return to training, Chelsea manager Graham Potter’s fears on the right-hand side have been eased, especially as Cesar Azpilicueta has also been absent recently due to concussion protocol. Although Azpilicueta was not in training with the team on Monday morning, Chelsea received two further fitness boosts alongside James’ comeback with N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic both in full training, stepping up their recoveries from hamstring and knee problems respectively.
Despite the good news, Chelsea still has several long-term absentees with Edouard Mendy, Thiago Silva, and Armando Broja. Mason Mount, who missed the win over Leeds due to an abdominal problem, is also suspended for the second leg. Nevertheless, the Blues will put up a strong fight against Dortmund, who are missing Karim Adeyemi due to a thigh problem, as well as fellow attacking starlet Youssoufa Moukoko and Mateu Morey, and suspended Julian Ryerson.
It’s all to play for on Tuesday night, and with the return of James to Chelsea’s squad, the team is sure to put on a thrilling performance for football fans around the world.
