Reece James fitness update ahead of Chelsea v Leeds clash

Liam Rosenior has confirmed Reece James has returned from injury – but remains a doubt for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Leeds due to illness.

James has been absent from Chelsea’s last two matches against Arsenal and Wolves having picked up a ‘small knock’ following the side’s 3-2 victory over West Ham.

The 26-year-old had been hoping to feature versus Wolves at the weekend but failed a late fitness test, with Malo Gusto given the nod at right-back in the 3-1 win at Molineux.

It’s been a frustrating start to the new year for the Blues captain, who also missed two cup matches last month – against Arsenal and Charlton – after sustaining a hip injury.

Asked for an update on James’ fitness this afternoon, the Chelsea boss told reporters: ‘Reece is fit.

‘He is feeling unwell today. It’s no conspiracy, it’s the truth.

‘Hopefully he will be well enough for tomorrow.’

There has been some concern surrounding the fitness of Andrey Santos and Tosin Adarabioyo, but it appears both are in line to play a part at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

‘Andrey trained today. He’s a soldier. He had a swollen ankle, but he’s fine for tomorrow,’ Rosenior added.

‘Tosin is looking good, he trained today.’

Chelsea are taking a cautious approach when it comes to Romeo Lavia’s fitness, with the Belgian recently pictured in training having been out since November with a thigh injury.

‘We have a really detailed plan for him,’ Rosenior said of Lavia’s rehabilitation.

‘He was back on the training pitch with us, it was great to see him, but we need to make sure when he’s back that he’s back for good.’

Speaking after Chelsea’s win at Wolves, hat-trick hero Cole Palmer revealed that he was not ‘100 per cent fit’ and would be managing his workload over the coming days and weeks.

Asked if Palmer is ready to play against Leeds, Rosenior replied: ‘He is available for tomorrow.’

The Chelsea head coach made no secret of the fact he may be forced to chop and change more and more as the grueling season wears on.

‘It’s difficult. We’ve rotated a lot, which we need to do,’ he explained.

‘Bear in mind the players’ long-term schedule, they had no pre-season and they have been magnificent.

‘You have to be really well prepared tactically to give the players the right plans and solutions.’

Asked if he was concerned for his players’ welfare, Rosenior responded: ‘I think so, if I’m being honest.

‘These lads are fantastic professionals – they live for their job which is so important.

‘You want the best product possible. We have to find a way where we can find the right balance between the two.’

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