Chelsea have reportedly been handed a boost by Reece James's progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The right wing-back sustained the injury during the final game of 2021 against Brighton & Hove Albion, the immediate prognosis being that he would spend up to eight weeks on the sidelines.
Going by that timeframe, James is now midway through his rehabilitation, but it appears that the England international could return sooner than initially anticipated.
According to The Athletic, the 22-year-old may be back involved in training within the next two weeks, potentially putting him in line to feature at the Club World Cup.
Chelsea are due to play their semi-final tie on February 9, a game which may come too soon for James given that Chelsea will not want to take any risks.
However, a potential final would take place three days later, and a spot on the substitutes' bench may theoretically await the versatile academy graduate.
Darren Plant
