Chelsea manager Graham Potter has confirmed that Reece James is close to returning to full training following a knee injury.

The England international was forced to miss the World Cup after picking up the problem in the 2-0 win over AC Milan back in October.

Carney Chukwuemeka is, however, already back in contention, having been pictured training in Abu Dhabi after recovering from a hamstring issue.

Wesly Fofana (knee) is likely to be available when the Blues take on Bournemouth later this month, but Ben Chilwell (thigh) has only just finished rehab and he may still need some time before he is ready for selection again.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (calf) could make his comeback next week. However, Kepa Arrizabalaga is still undergoing rehabilitation on a foot injury he sustained in the defeat to Brighton before the World Cup.

Armando Broja (ankle) and Cesar Azplicueta (calf) both picked up injuries on international duty so they will need to be assessed further by the club’s medical staff, while N’Golo Kante (hamstring) is still some way off from making his return.