Chelsea captain Reece James has posted an image of himself at the club's training ground with the caption "back to it soon", as the defender steps up his recovery from a hamstring issue.
Due to the injury, he sustained against Liverpool, the England international has not played for the Blues since the first weekend of the current Premier League season.
James' prolonged absence from the pitch initially raised concerns, but Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino claimed in the middle of last month that the defender would only be sidelined for weeks rather than months.
The defender has had more healing time over the international break, and he just shared good news about his progress on his official Instagram account.
The 23-year-old was sidelined for a portion of the 2022-23 season with a knee ailment, and he also missed the conclusion of last season due to a hamstring issue.
Chelsea's Premier League campaign has gotten off to a mediocre start with just four points from their first four games, dropping them to the bottom of the table in 12th place.
The Blues lost to Nottingham Forest 1-0 at home before the international break, and on September 17, they will go to Bournemouth hoping to avenge that defeat.
James' potential return to the lineup is unknown, although Chelsea will complete September with back-to-back home matches against Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Malo Gusto has gained playing time as a result of James' absence, but once the club captain returns from injury, he is anticipated to return to the bench.
Although the Englishman's deal with the Premier League team at Stamford Bridge runs out in June 2028, there is still uncertainty about it.
James has reportedly been selected by Real Madrid as the best long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, and the Spanish club is reportedly waiting to make a move for him.
However, Real Madrid, who made a high-profile approach for Jude Bellingham during the summer transfer window, will be concerned by the defender's recent injury issues.
James made his Chelsea debut in 2018 and after a productive loan stint at Wigan Athletic during the 2018-19 season, he started playing regularly for the club.
He has played 148 times for the Blues in all, contributing 20 assists and 11 goals.
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