Chelsea could be handed a double injury boost for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool - with reports suggesting that Reece James is nearing a return to full fitness.
The England full-back has been out since December with a hamstring injury and has missed 12 games across all competitions for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Centre-back Andreas Christensen filled in at right-back for Chelsea against Crystal Palace on Saturday ahead of the west London outfit's Champions League tie against Lille on Tuesday.
However, it has been claimed that James could make his injury comeback against Liverpool at Wembley next Sunday.
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A report from the Daily Mail has stated that the 22-year-old is 'likely' to return against the Reds after spending the last seven weeks on the sidelines.
Chelsea boss Tuchel has also said that he will 'push' for Mason Mount to feature against Jurgen Klopp’s side after the midfielder suffered an ankle injury in the Club World Cup final earlier this month.
Speaking about James’ recovery, the German coach admitted that his team have been impacted by the wing-back’s absence, having won just two of their last five league games without him.
“We had a little setback because he caught the flu in the moment where he was very close to re-joining team training so this was a setback,” Tuchel said in his press conference on Friday before the 1-0 win over Palace.
“Of course, it’s too long for Reece and for all of us. We miss him a lot. I had the feeling right from the very start that we had to deal with a big injury and unfortunately my feeling was right.
“You always have a risk with a very physical player like Reece and a big muscle injury, that you have to consider there is a delay with the comeback, which is where we are right now.
“He’s still in individual training, progressing a lot and doing almost everything you can do in individual training and we’re waiting for him. The plan is that he rejoins the group next week.”
Chelsea were also without their captain Cesar Azpilicueta and long-term absentee Ben Chilwell for the victory over Palace.
