Chelsea star returns to training after missing World Cup through injury

Chelsea have jetted off to Abu Dhabi for a warm weather training camp, where right-back Reece James has returned to light team training.

James suffered a knee injury shortly before the World Cup and found himself in a race against time to prove his fitness, which he ultimately failed as England manager Gareth Southgate eventually opted to leave the 22-year-old at home.

The right-back remained at Chelsea's Cobham training base and has now joined the group in Abu Dhabi to continue his rehabilitation.

Chelsea confirmed that James took part in a light training session 'that featured stretching, jogging and a series of games designed to keep the spirits high and get the legs moving after the seven-hour flight from England'.

James is hopeful of returning to competitive action when the Premier League resumes, with Chelsea set to take on Bournemouth on Tuesday 27 December.

Also joining James out in Abu Dhabi were fellow stricken stars Wesley Fofana and N'Golo Kante, who are further behind in their quests to return from injury.

Carney Chukwuemeka is also back in training but Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has travelled with the squad, was not involved on Monday as he recovers from a knock.

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Chelsea's travelling squad in full

• Kepa Arrizabalaga
• Marcus Bettinelli
• Eddie Beach
• Bashir Humphreys
• Alfie Gilchrist
• Trevoh Chalobah
• Dion Rankine
• Josh Brooking
• Ben Chilwell
• Reece James
• Marc Cucurella
• Wesley Fofana
• Lewis Hall
• Cesare Casadei
• Charlie Webster
• Ben Elliott
• Jorginho
• N’Golo Kante
• Ruben Loftus-Cheek
• Carney Chukwuemeka
• Omari Hutchinson
• Malik Mothersille
• Mason Burstow
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
• Armando Broja