Calum McFarlane addressed the media ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, and the interim boss praised Reece James’ impact off the pitch. <\/p>\n
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James picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on March 17, and since then, the Blues haven’t scored a goal, picked up a point or kept a clean sheet in the league. <\/p>\n
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The 26-year-old has arguably been Chelsea’s most important player this term with seven goal involvements in 27 Premier League appearances, the most he’s managed since the 2020\/21 campaign. <\/p>\n
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On his day, the England international is the best right-back in the league, and only constant injuries can disprove that argument. Luckily for Chelsea, he is closing in on a return to action. <\/p>\n
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Calum McFarlane says Reece James has had a ‘massive’ influence<\/h2>\n
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In Friday’s press conference, McFarlane confirmed that James and teammate Levi Colwill have returned to training ahead of Nottingham Forest’s visit to West London. <\/p>\n
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\n“Reece is back in training and Levi, both looking good. A little way to the game so we’ll see how they do but both are looking promising. We’re taking it day by day. Levi has had a long injury, Reece had a really good run and was then injured again so we don’t want to push too much.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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McFarlane didn’t rule out their involvement in Monday’s clash, although he is being cautious about throwing James back into the deep end, given his horrid injury record. <\/p>\n
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The 40-year-old also singled out James for praise, hailing his leadership qualities as “massive” since he first took interim charge of the club in January. <\/p>\n
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\n“Reece has been brilliant since the day I stepped up in January. He’s been injured so it’s a different role. Even though he’s young, he’s experienced and won major tournaments. He’s a massive part of the leadership group and he’s been a massive help to me and the staff.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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It won’t be a surprise to anyone that Chelsea’s superstar defender has been a model professional, even during their dismal campaign, and he could help his side end it on high in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. <\/p>\n
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McFarlane needs to manage James’ minutes<\/h2>\n
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Chelsea fans will be delighted to see that their captain is back in training, although his minutes must be managed between now and the end of the campaign. <\/p>\n
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James has missed a whopping 110 games for club and country since the 2019\/20 season, according to Transfermarkt, summing up what has been a frustrating career of setbacks. <\/p>\n
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That only increases the importance of drip feeding him minutes for the remaining four Premier League games, so that he is ready for the FA Cup final. <\/p>\n
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Chelsea are winless in their previous 13 matches against Man City, last beating them in the 2021 Champions League final. <\/p>\n
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James is the only survivor from that 1-0 triumph in Porto, and if the Blues are to end that miserable run, their captain will surely play a crucial role. <\/p>\n
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