Reece James targeting first-team return NEXT MONTH as Chelsea hope to have him ready for huge London derby

REECE JAMES is closing in on a return to training after progressing well in his injury recovery.

The Chelsea captain suffered a hamstring injury on the opening day of the season against Liverpool last month.

Reece James’ injury recovery has progressed wellReuters

There were initial fears James would be out until Christmas with a diagnosis estimating a return to light training in mid-October.

However, he could return sooner after progressing well on his personal rehabilitation programme, according to the Daily Mail.

James, 23, has been working by himself but there is hope he will return to full training alongside his team-mates ahead of the Burnley clash on October 7.

It is unlikely he will feature in that match but the defender could return after the international break next month – in time for the London derby showdown with Arsenal on October 21.

Mauricio Pochettino will hope to have his skipper back soon as Chelsea face a run of difficult fixtures.

The Blues come up against Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle, Brighton and Manchester United back-to-back over the next few weeks.

Chelsea will also hope James does not pick up a ban after he was charged with abusing a match official by the FA.

The England international is alleged to have insulted referee Jarred Gillett in the tunnel after Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.

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James’ replacement Malo Gusto is also suspended following his red card against the Villans.

While the Blues have a considerable injury list including summer arrivals Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia, as well as Trevoh Cahlobah Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit Badiashile and Noni Madueke.