Chelsea captain Reece James will be available immediately after the international break, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on his Instagram account, Romano said that the Blues are expecting the right-back to return to full fitness very soon:
“Reece James will return in action for Chelsea after the break despite injury. Not a serious issue for Blues captain, injury suffered vs Liverpool expected to be 100% recovered in next days.”
Unsurprisingly, that news has gone down very well with supporters on X, with James deemed a key player for Enzo Maresca’s side:
Thats good news
— Lunix (@SolLunix) October 7, 2025
he was never injured lol
— Ray Junior (@juniorluphahla) October 7, 2025
Thank God
— Dr Soft🦠🩺 (@agobasoft007) October 7, 2025
YESSSS
— Emma (@emma_Cfb) October 7, 2025
He basically did a sickie for the international break.
Right move
— PaulieDubs (@browns_irish) October 7, 2025
Best news seen today
— سردار سنی خان بلوچ (@Sunnykhan2575) October 7, 2025
Finally some positive news for us. Can’t wait to see the captain back in action. 💪🔵
— London Blue Voice (@londonbluevoice) October 8, 2025
James needed a rest
As some fans have pointed out, there are definitely strong indications that the defender’s withdrawal from the England squad was simply precautionary.
James’ workload has increased in recent weeks, and to avoid injury, the decision has been made to give him some time to recover.
Chelsea will have several other players back to face Forest
In addition to James, Wesley Fofana (concussion), Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) and are poised to return to fitness for the Blues’ fixture against Nottingham Forest later this month.
Fofana is already back in full training, while Tosin could follow suit over the next week or so.
Cole Palmer (groin), Andrey Santos (knock), Liam Delap (hamstring), Dario Essugo (thigh) and Levi Colwill (ACL) are also on the treatment table. You can read our full injury report here.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here