The Pride of London review Chelsea injury news. This includes a boost regarding defender Reece James along with an update on midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
What a bonus for Blues fans to see James back with a ball at his feet, as we enjoy the World Cup but pine for club football’s approaching return. Although many CFC stars and their countries have now been knocked out of the tournament, it has been a fascinating and eye-opening period.
Anyway, back to the rapid and riveting rightback – because he is back in practice. It may perhaps not be heavy work at the moment, though this is great news which shall hopefully reinforce the team and the confidence of the fanbase somewhat.
The Chelsea squad and staff are currently in Dubai undertaking warm weather training. Their camp is in Abu Dhabi; the players are expected to be thoroughly put through their paces whilst away. Following the fitness drills etcetera, Chels’ have a fixture against Premier League side Aston Villa in the CBF Al Wahda Challenge Cup. After that friendly contest, the team return back to England.
Injured Blues have travelled; the main update is that James is out on the field. The 22-year-old was involved in a ‘light session’; a timeline hasn’t been confirmed for James’ return to action. Meanwhile Loftus-Cheek is nursing a calf problem and won’t be included versus Villa.
Remaining Chelsea players at the World Cup in Qatar
Out of the 15 Blues playing in the most glamorous of competitions – this number includes inbound and outbound loanees – six are still involved. Their nations have progressed to the quarterfinals and are yet to be eliminated. Those players are: Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling of England, Croatia’s Mateo Kovacic, Thiago Silva of Brazil and Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech.
The Croatians will meet the Brazilians, with Thiago and Kovacic likely starting, on Friday, December 9, at 3pm British time. Ziyech and the Moroccans play Portugal on Saturday, December 10, at 3pm.
Later that evening is the slot for England’s match with France; Sterling has left the tournament because of a burglary at home, while Mount seems to have lost his Three Lions starting place and Gallagher is yet to feature at the World Cup. The Veteran of the group, Thiago, appears to be the only man belonging to a country fancied for the win.