The 23-year-old has been a significant loss for the Blues this season at right defender. The injury he sustained during the season opener against Liverpool has kept him out of action for the last seven and a half weeks.
Chelsea has officially confirmed that he is back on the grass, which is good news for his recovery. After the October international break, if there are no setbacks, the Englishman might play again for the first team.
James is also suspended for the London giants’ Saturday away match against Burnley. The Blues skipper was just given a one-game suspension and accused with inappropriate conduct during the team’s loss to Aston Villa.
Chelsea’s manager Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping for his team’s second straight league victory so that they can enter the break on a high note. The Blues have a formidable test after the internationals.
The team has games against Arsenal, Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City on the schedule. After that, there will be another international break before they take on Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pochettino would undoubtedly want James back in the lineup as soon as possible because Chelsea has the toughest schedule of games coming up in the new year. The team has missed the Englishman’s presence on the field because he is a full-fledged right-back.
Malo Gusto, who is now on suspension, has done a commendable job filling in for James, but the Frenchman lacks James’ ability to cross the goal line. Additionally, the club captain has been caught out of position, which is uncommon.
Although Pochettino may prefer to start the £56 million star against Arsenal, it is unknown when James will be available. On October 21, Chelsea will host their bitter rivals from London.