Reece James is reportedly in line to start for Chelsea at home to Fulham next week.
According to the Telegraph, the defender is in contention to feature from the off at Stamford Bridge for the first time since his latest injury layoff.
James’ rotten fitness record has remained a concern for the player and the club this season.
The 23-year-old missed a large chunk of the previous campaign through various wounds, but looked to improve his luck heading into the current term.
His fortunes have not changed, however.
Is Reece James really ready this time for Chelsea?
Chelsea’s Champions League tie away to AC Milan in October was the first of the England international’s set-backs.
A knee problem forced him out of the side and, perhaps more poignantly, made him miss the World Cup.
He sat out nine domestic matches and the entirety of the tournament in Qatar whilst his rehabilitation ensued.
After traveling to Dubai and Abu Dhabi as part of his recovery, the medical staff at Cobham deemed James healthy enough to play the first game post-World Cup.
Sadly, this decision appeared to be premature.
Graham Potter had to remove the right-back just eight minutes into the second-half against Bournemouth due to an issue in the same knee that doused him previously.
But the academy graduate has continued to fight, and is now back in training ahead of the derby with Fulham in just under a weeks’ time.
James could be joined by fellow treatment-table buddy Ben Chilwell, who is apparently hopeful to make the bench for the next Premier League fixture following his own absence.