Chelsea have jetted off to Abu Dhabi for a warm-weather training camp, with right-back Reece James returning to train with the lighter side.
James suffered a knee injury shortly before the World Cup and was in a race against time to prove his fitness, which he ultimately failed to do as England manager Gareth Southgate eventually let the 22-year-old off the hook. Chose to leave at home.
The right-back remained at Chelsea’s Cobham training base and has now joined the group in Abu Dhabi to continue his rehabilitation.
Chelsea confirmed James took part in a light training session ‘which included stretching, jogging and a series of games designed to keep spirits up and get the legs moving after the seven-hour flight from England.’
James is hopeful of a return to competitive action when the Premier League resumes, with Chelsea set to take on Bournemouth on Tuesday 27 December.
Joining James in Abu Dhabi were fellow stricken stars Wesley Fofana and N’Golo Kante, who are further behind in their efforts to return from injury.
Carney Chukwuemeka is also back in training but Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has traveled with the squad, was not involved on Monday as he recovers from a knock.
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