Reece James injury update as Graham Potter receives multiple boosts ahead of Aston Villa

Chelsea and England defender Reece James returned to training ahead of their Premier League game against Aston Villa this weekend despite withdrawing from England duties.

Midfielder N’Golo Kante who has been working hard on his return to fitness is also expected to get his first league minutes of the year on Saturday, as well as Raheem Sterling who has been battling hamstring issues.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy had to undergo surgery on his finger earlier in the year, but is also ready to compete for his position as well as star forward Kai Havertz.

Wesley Fofana who picked up an unfortunate hamstring injury which ruled him out of his first senior France call up is also back in training and will be eager to continue his fine form in March which was vital for the win against Dortmund.

Potter enjoyed a much improved March, winning three and drawing one of the four games played, he’ll be desperate to build on the progress made on Saturday.

Chelsea are 10th on the league table, while Aston Villa are 11th with only Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United being the only teams to have picked up more points than Unai Emery’s side since the Spanish boss took over.

The game against Villa might come too soon for captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Mason Mount and Thiago Silva who are all in the final stages of their recovery, even though risking them with massive games coming might not be too wise for the often meticulous Potter.