Reece James return date revealed as Chelsea prepare to take on Manchester City

Reece James return date revealed as Chelsea prepare to take on Manchester City

Chelsea captain Reece James is reportedly close to returning to the side in the final stretch of the season.

James has been out since picking up a problem during last month’s defeat by Newcastle United which sparked reports that he could miss out on an England call up for the World Cup this summer.

After four straight defeats before the break, Chelsea beat Port Vale 7-0 to cruise to the next round of the FA Cup. However, they must next face Manchester City who have become ruthless in recent months.

According to The Guardian, James is currently making good progress and could return to action by late April or early May.

This means he will miss the City game as well as clashes against Manchester United, Brighton and Leeds United in the Semi Final of the FA Cup.

James recently extended his contract to 2032 and remains fully committed to the club where he can’t seem to string a run of games together without picking up an injury.

On whether James would be back against City when the Premier League returns next weekend, manager Liam Rosenior said:

"I don't know. We work day-to-day, so I don't want to give a timeline and not come through with that timeline, put pressure on those players, but they're all working really, really well at this moment."

The Chelsea captain was unavailable for England’s last camp and pair of fixtures before Thomas Tuchel names his World Cup squad and could miss out if he does not return over the next month as eyes turn to the likes of Newcastle’s Tino Livramento.