Chelsea handed double injury boost as Reece James and Ben Chilwell set date for returns

Chelsea have been handed a boost as injured duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell have set the date for their return to action for Graham Potter’s side.

The pair have struggled with injuries and fitness in the past couple of seasons, dating back to October 2021 when the Blues sat top of the Premier League.

Thomas Tuchel’s side were in fine form and leading the pack in the English top flight before Chilwell and James suffered long-term injuries to hand a blow to the German.

Despite returning to action, the duo suffered further setbacks this season under Graham Potter and Chelsea‘s form took a hit once again.

Chelsea have only won once since James’ recent injury lay-off, a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, and they will be keen to get their fullbacks back on the pitch.

Potter has been handed a significant boost and it is good news for Chelsea fans, who now know when James and Chilwell are likely to return to the pitch.

Both players have taken part in recent training sessions and were present as Potter took his side to an army base as part of a team training exercise on Tuesday.

As reported by Matt Law, James and Chilwell are targeting returns as Chelsea face Fulham in the Premier League next.

James is set to be fit to start, if Potter chooses to risk the wing-back, while Chilwell is currently hoping to make the bench.

It remains to be seen as to whether Potter will rush the pair back after Trevoh Chalobah has emerged as a candidate on the right side.

While Lewis Hall has impressed during his stint playing at left-back, with Marc Cucurella also an option if Chelsea wish to ease Chilwell back into the starting XI.

Chelsea take on Fulham on Friday as they look to make it three matches unbeaten.

The clash will also be the final of Joao Felix’s suspension, having been sent off against the Cottagers in the reverse fixture last month.

Potter will be hoping to build form with his Chelsea side once his injured players return, with the Blues returning to Champions League action next month against Borussia Dortmund in the last-16.