Chelsea full-back Reece James has hinted at a return to action with his five-word Instagram message amid transfer talk surrounding Barcelona defender Sergino Dest.
James, 22, has been missing with a torn hamstring that he sustained in the 1-1 home draw against Brighton in mid-December and his presence has been sorely missed, along with that of compatriot Ben Chilwell.
Trevoh Chalobah being back in the fold ahead of Spurs when the team returns to training on Friday, football.london understands, provides manager Thomas Tuchel with a huge boost after he came out admitting that his team were 'tired' after they trudged to another 1-1 draw against the Seagulls at the Amex on Tuesday.
"Because we are tired. We are mentally tired and physically tired. You can see it in our performance. It's as easy as that," Tuchel responded when asked about the reason for more dropped points.
He then went on to add on the need for the two-day break that the team are currently undergoing: "So, so badly. You can say it is an excuse or whatever but it's like this.
"Look at our schedule, when we arrived at Man City we had the Carabao Cup in the week and they did not. Now we arrive here and they have more days to prepare and the whole week before to prepare.
"It's like this. We play since November. We are the team that plays and plays and plays. We need to recharge the batteries, disconnect. This is my feeling and it's why I give the players two days off.
"We will prepare for two days, use Friday and Saturday to prepare for Sunday because we have a game against Tottenham."
Now, added to the recent Chalobah injury return boost, James himself has excited the Blues faithful with his recent message on Instagram that shows his commitment and desire to get back out on the pitch as quickly as possible.
On his Instagram account @reecejames, he posted his encouraging five word verdict: 'Laced up! 1 step closer," [followed by three different emojis.]'
football.london understands that no return is imminent for the 22-year-old but the fact he's close to first team training again means that Marina Granovskaia may not have to invest in signing two wing-backs to cover this current injury crisis.
Sergino Dest was the main candidate to come in and act as a temporary replacement for James but the lack of movement on that transfer specifically shows the board's willingness to just stick it out with Cesar Azpilicueta and colleagues until the Cobham academy graduate returns, meaning no unnecessary money has to be spent.
On top of this, Christian Pulisic's fellow USA international Dest apparent willingness to stay and fight for his place in Catalonia has made this potential move to west London an apparent no-go.
The same can't be said on the other side of the Chelsea backline with Chilwell, who will be missing until the end of the season and football.london understands that the European Champions are currently struggling in their attempts to terminate Emerson Palmieri's loan period with Lyon, despite the player's recent change in stance.
