Reece James hasn’t been fit to play for Chelsea this season, but the team has received an important fitness boost ahead of their match against Liverpool as Premier League football returns after the international break.
Enzo Maresca’s side is currently unbeaten in away games, but a visit to Anfield will be a tough test. Chelsea sits fourth in the league, with 14 points from their first seven matches, suffering just one defeat to reigning champions Manchester City in the season opener.
James has been a major injury concern, as he continues to struggle with fitness issues that have persisted over the years. He hasn’t featured this season after suffering a setback during Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the USA.
Reece James participated in team training for the first time since the summer on Monday and is close to returning, but the match against Liverpool is expected to come too soon for him.
The only other senior player unavailable for Enzo Maresca is Omari Kellyman, who has recently suffered an injury setback.
On the other hand, Liverpool might see some injured players return for their clash with high-flying Chelsea. Arne Slot’s team topped the league going into the international break, holding one point more than both Manchester City and Arsenal, and four points ahead of Chelsea.
Alisson is sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered during the win over Crystal Palace and is expected to be out for about six weeks. Alexis Mac Allister also picked up a problem in that match but has joined the Argentina squad for international duty, making him likely to be available against Chelsea. Federico Chiesa has a chance to feature at Anfield, despite not being called up for Italy’s international matches.
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