Reece James: Chelsea Captain Gives Pochettino Injury Boost Ahead of Arsenal Clash

• Chelsea will host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge for the London derby on Saturday
• There is a wide gap between the two sides on the table, with nine points and nine places separating them
• The Blues would be boosted by the timely return of their captain Reece James from injury

Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino will be boosted by the return of his captain to training after an injury layoff ahead of their important London derby against Arsenal.

James was named captain before the start of the season after the departure of long-serving skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, who left the club after 11 years to join Atletico Madrid.

Fans were concerned over his fitness and availability for games when he was announced, and it did not take long before the fears came alive as he was injured in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool on the opening day of the season.

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James gives Pochettino injury boost

Evening Standard reported he was a major doubt to face Arsenal earlier today after suffering a setback in his recovery and had to be withdrawn from full training.

However, there could be a new twist to the news in circulation as per a post by the club on social media, which included two images of James in training with the caption "out on the grass".

If he is fit to play, he could be slotted straight into the lineup, underlining the important level of his skill and leadership to the team. Summer recruit Malo Gusto deputised for him until his unfortunate red card against Aston Villa.

The France international served his three-game suspension, during which left-back Marc Cucurella was deployed as a makeshift right back, and he hardly put a foot wrong.

Despite the boost James' likely return could provide, the club's official statement confirmed setbacks to Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevoh Chalobah.

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Cole Palmer and Axel Disasi are expected to recover from knocks sustained during the international break, while Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, and other long-term absentees remain out.

Chelsea pride in Reece James

Sports Brief reported that Chelsea took pride in Reece James after the defender responded to a fan teasing a move to Arsenal for him.

The club’s Twitter was quick to brand him ‘One of our own’, aiming a dig at Arsenal and at Mason Mount, an academy star who joined a rival club, Manchester United.