Chelsea rely on few players more than the services of star defender Reece James. The 23-year-old has been a star for the side since breaking into the first-team under former manager Frank Lampard, with the trust in him reciprocated by the club with a new long-term deal.
His defensive solidity offers plenty at the back, however he is also the Blues' most potent attacking threat when receiving the ball deep and carrying it up field. The contrast between his involvement and his absence in the side is quite stark, showing just how important he really is.
Last season the Cobham academy graduate had two long-term absences that kept him out of action and saw a dip in the team's form. This season has seen a slight repeat, with James injuring his knee in the Champions League clash with AC Milan and cruelly ruling out his chances of featuring at the World Cup with England.
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In good news though, James looks set to return to action when the Blues are back in late December, having joined in with full training. Posting on Twitter, the defender said: "It’s been a while but back like we never left!"
It comes as a clear message to Graham Potter over his upcoming team selection, with a number of questions to answer ahead of their return against Bournemouth. That wasn't the only message from James though as he did some of his talking on the training pitch in a video published by the official Chelsea Twitter account.
It shows the defender on the ball against two or three other players, chopping inside before placing a shot in the top left corner of the goal.
It may come as a timely boost for the Blues ahead of their impending Premier League return as James' importance and quality is clear for all to see.
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