Boost for Chelsea as injured defensive star is surprisingly included in Club World Cup squad

Chelsea duo Reece James and Mason Mount were included in the squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup fixture

According to Evening Standard, Chelsea star Reece James is included in the 23-man squad that will travel to Abu Dhabi for the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Blues received a major setback as manager Thomas Tuchel tested positive for Covid-19 in the build-up to the FA Cup fixture against Plymouth Argyle. This means that the German would be absent from the sidelines for his team’s upcoming Club World Cup encounter.

James, meanwhile, hasn’t featured in a match for the Blues since December 29 but his inclusion in the squad could be a positive sign. Mason Mount also picked up a knock and had to be substituted in the 96th minute of their match against Plymouth. While there was a lot of uncertainty regarding their availability, their inclusion in the squad could be a welcome boost for the west London club.

The Club World Cup is a prestigious competition that is yet to be added to our famed trophy cabinet. We did get the chance to win the tournament nearly a decade ago, but lost 1-0 in the final to Corinthians.

Chelsea and their list of upcoming fixtures

The London-based club has also managed to reach the final of the FA Cup this season and is arguably still in the race to win the UEFA Champions League. Whilst there is no confirmation that Reece James is fit to play again, his inclusion hints at the fact that the wing-back could be much closer to returning to first-team action than fans would have expected.

The Blues have some important matches lined up as they are set to face Liverpool in the final of the EFL Cup later this February. The London-based club is also facing a packed schedule and would be happy to receive all the help they can at this moment.

We could be forced to use some of our younger, rather inexperienced players to get us through a congested period. Kenedy is another fringe player who can use this opportunity to replenish his career. If James is back soon, then fielding the Brazilian down the left flank at times would be a bit safer, considering at least one of our flanks would have a first-choice defender playing.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount suffers injury ahead of pivotal FIFA Club World Cup fixture
• Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel tests positive for Covid-19 ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup
• Some Chelsea fans react on Twitter as Kepa Arrizabalaga stars in hard-fought FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle

Ruben Loftus-Cheek hasn’t travelled with the squad which could mean that the 26-year-old midfielder may require some more time before he is available for first-team action. We take on Al-Hilal on 9th February and while it may seem too early for James to seal a return to first-team action, just seeing him sitting on the bench would send a wave of positivity down our spines for sure.