Chelsea have been handed a double injury fillip ahead of their European clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.
The Blues host the German side for the second leg at Stamford Bridge, aiming to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in their Champions League last-16 knockout tie.
And ahead of the game, key defender Reece James was pictured back in training at Cobham, after missing Saturday’s 1-0 win against Leeds.
Talismanic midfielder N’Golo Kante was also seen out on the grass at their Surrey base as he finally returns after being out since August with a long-term hamstring injury.
Though Kante is unlikely to start against Dortmund, the news will come as a genuine boost for under-pressure manager Graham Potter, with defender Thiago Silva out for six weeks.
Chelsea have been given a double injury boost ahead of Tuesday’s tie with Borussia Dortmund
Key defender Reece James (second left) is back in training at Cobham after a tight hamstring
N’Golo Kante (second left) returns after not playing since August due to a hamstring injury
The news will come as a significant boost to under-pressure Blues manager Graham Potter
James was absent for the weekend’s triumph in west London with a tight hamstring, being ruled out just hours before kick-off – but is now in contention to play against Dortmund.
American winger Christian Pulisic, who has been sidelined with a knee issue since January, also participated in training but like Kante is not expected to start against his former side.
Chelsea have several other players out injury, which has not helped the cause of struggling boss Potter.
Experienced centre half Silva is out for six weeks with knee ligament damage, Cesar Azpilicueta is still fulfilling concussion protocols, and Mason Mount has an abdominal injury – but he is suspended for the second leg in any case.
No 2 goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is out after surgery on a fractured finger, though is expected back soon, but striker Armando Broja is set to miss the entire campaign with a serious knee injury.
source: dailymail.co.uk
