Chelsea captain Reece James has been sidelined since December due to a hamstring injury sustained in a match against Everton.

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Following surgery, James has yet to resume training with Chelsea. He, alongside Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, is in a tight race to achieve match fitness and earn a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 in Germany this June.

Despite James’ limited appearances this season, particularly in the past three and a half months, Southgate has not dismissed the possibility of including the Blues defender in the squad for the upcoming tournament.

The England manager remains hopeful that James will return to the pitch and demonstrate his readiness before the season concludes.

Speaking to reporters, the Three Lions boss said: “Could he play seven games in the Euros? His record over the last few years would suggest no. But is he a top-level player who could provide something important? No question.

“So yeah again he is another one who the first step is get back into training, get back into the team and build that physical resistance as quickly as you can.”

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