Calum McFarlane addressed the media ahead of Chelsea's clash with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, and the interim boss praised Reece James' impact off the pitch.
James picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on March 17, and since then, the Blues haven't scored a goal, picked up a point or kept a clean sheet in the league.
The 26-year-old has arguably been Chelsea's most important player this term with seven goal involvements in 27 Premier League appearances, the most he's managed since the 2020/21 campaign.
On his day, the England international is the best right-back in the league, and only constant injuries can disprove that argument. Luckily for Chelsea, he is closing in on a return to action.
Calum McFarlane says Reece James has had a 'massive' influence
In Friday's press conference, McFarlane confirmed that James and teammate Levi Colwill have returned to training ahead of Nottingham Forest's visit to West London.
"Reece is back in training and Levi, both looking good. A little way to the game so we'll see how they do but both are looking promising. We're taking it day by day. Levi has had a long injury, Reece had a really good run and was then injured again so we don't want to push too much."
McFarlane didn't rule out their involvement in Monday's clash, although he is being cautious about throwing James back into the deep end, given his horrid injury record.
The 40-year-old also singled out James for praise, hailing his leadership qualities as "massive" since he first took interim charge of the club in January.
"Reece has been brilliant since the day I stepped up in January. He's been injured so it's a different role. Even though he's young, he's experienced and won major tournaments. He's a massive part of the leadership group and he's been a massive help to me and the staff."
It won't be a surprise to anyone that Chelsea's superstar defender has been a model professional, even during their dismal campaign, and he could help his side end it on high in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
McFarlane needs to manage James' minutes
Chelsea fans will be delighted to see that their captain is back in training, although his minutes must be managed between now and the end of the campaign.
James has missed a whopping 110 games for club and country since the 2019/20 season, according to Transfermarkt, summing up what has been a frustrating career of setbacks.
That only increases the importance of drip feeding him minutes for the remaining four Premier League games, so that he is ready for the FA Cup final.
Chelsea are winless in their previous 13 matches against Man City, last beating them in the 2021 Champions League final.
James is the only survivor from that 1-0 triumph in Porto, and if the Blues are to end that miserable run, their captain will surely play a crucial role.
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