Chelsea handed another potential boost ahead of Liverpool as key player 'taken out' on international duty

Chelsea have been given a double injury boost—one from their own camp and the other from Liverpool. First was the news that long-term injured captain Reece James is back in training for the first time this season.

The return of James is massive news for manager Enzo Maresca, who can use the multi-talented Malo Gusto at left-back if he wants to rotate the team. James is also the club's captain, and having your captain available for major games is always a plus.

The Liverpool Echo is also now reporting that two of Liverpool’s key players, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo, were ‘taken out’ due to injuries during their international duty. Their health will be assessed when they return to Liverpool’s training ground later this week, ahead of the game this weekend. Gravenberch in particular has become a hugely-influential player since the arrival of Arne Slot and is the club’s first-choice number six.

The Reds have adapted well to life under new manager Arne Slot, but there is a sense that the upcoming game against Chelsea will test their mental strength, as the Blues remain unbeaten since the opening day of the Premier League season.

Chelsea Looking for Champions League Football

Chelsea have had a brilliant start under Maresca, and there is a belief within the squad that they can turn the disappointments of the last two seasons into a serious title challenge. However, they will need to make a statement at a place like Anfield.

They did suffer a small setback just before the international break, with Nottingham Forest managing to hold them to a 1-1 draw despite being a man down. But such results are expected from a team still finding its way to consistent success. The fact that Maresca will have a full squad available means Chelsea will arrive at Anfield with resources they’ve lacked in the past two seasons.