Report: Chelsea set Reece James return timeline

Chelsea are planning for right-back Reece James to return to full training before the end of the October international break, a report has revealed.

James has not played this season after suffering a hamstring injury during the summer, while a setback in September has further extended his spell on the sidelines.

Ongoing silence about James' condition has left numerous fans concerned but, according to Matt Law, the plan is for the Chelsea captain to make his way back to training in the next week.

The report stressed that this is not a formal timeline and Chelsea could opt to delay James' return if any fresh concerns arise, but the hope is that he will be fit enough to play a part in Premier League Manager of the Month Enzo Maresca's sessions in the coming days.

James has been teasing an imminent return on social media for a few weeks now, insisting he will see fans "soon" as he approaches the end of his treatment.

The right-back made five appearances under Maresca in pre-season but has not been seen since Chelsea found their feet under the new boss. In his absence, it has been Frenchman Malo Gusto who has dominated the minutes, with centre-back Axel Disasi also helping out.

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