Reece James was never going to be ready to play in Wednesday evening’s Club World Cup semi-final against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and the decision for the full back to travel to Abu Dhabi with his clubmates is instead being viewed as an opportunity for him to work on his fitness.
The Chelsea full-back has been out of action since injuring a hamstring in the draw at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in late December.
He is nearing a return but Wednesday’s game is too early and he was not included in the 23-man squad submitted to FIFA on Monday morning, despite travelling with the squad for the week-long trip.
