'He's due back' - Chelsea handed bombshell injury boost ahead of Liverpool and Newcastle United

Chelsea have been handed an injury boost during the international break ahead of a tricky run of fixtures for Enzo Maresca once domestic football action returns next weekend.

The Blues have impressed under new management so far this season, losing just one top flight match and sitting fourth in the Premier League. However, Maresca will no doubt look at the upcoming fixtures as a big challenge.

Chelsea travel to Liverpool next weekend to take on Arne Slot's inform Reds side at Anfield. There's then a Europa Conference League clash with Panathinaikos away from home before a return to Stamford Bridge to face Newcastle United.

In a jam-packed schedule, the Blues then face the Magpies again days later, making the trip to St James' Park for the Carabao Cup round of 16. It's then a visit to Manchester United in Premier League action to begin November.

Chelsea defenders suspended against Liverpool

Maresca will need his full squad for that testing string of fixtures and already has the blow of suspensions for Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana to contend with against Liverpool. Full-back Reece James is another high profile absentee, but the 24-year-old could make his comeback soon.

James, who has been plagued by injury in recent years, is yet to play for Chelsea this season having picked up an injury in pre-season. The defender had captained the club during a tour of the United States and was deployed in a new inverted role as Maresca prepared for the new season.

The Chelsea manager has been coy over a return for James, and hinted that no date was yet in mind at the end of September. He said: "His injury is a bit delayed. The most important thing is players come back when they are 100% fit. Reece is still out. Unfortunately, we don't have an idea at the moment [when he’ll be back]. In this case, he’s been very unlucky.”

Reece James ‘due back in full training’

However, when providing and update to London is Blue, reporter Matt Law hinted that the player could be back sooner rather than later. He said: “Reece is due back in full training, all being well, next week hopefully. I’m always a little bit wary on these because it might be that there’s a little thing that happens and they decide to delay it again but I know the hope is to get Reece back into full training at some point.

“What we can be sure of is that they’re going to be damn careful with him, so just because he gets back into full training don’t necessarily expect him to come back as quick as another player.”

That would make a rapid comeback against Liverpool miraculous, but Maresca may be tempted to ease James back into action in upcoming Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup clashes after the break.