Tuchel gives update on Reece James' recovery from thigh injury

James is yet to play in 2022 after injuring his thigh in a 2-2 stalemate against Brighton at Stamford Bridge on December 29. He has been out for more than six weeks. 

The England player was supposed to be well in time for Chelsea's triumphant Club World Cup campaign in Abu Dhabi earlier in February, but his recuperation was hampered when he caught the illness.

But being named the world champions doesn't mean the Blues haven't struggled domestically without James, winning just once in four

games, despite progressing in the

and reaching the

final. 

The German tactician Tuchel confirmed James was still in solo training ahead of Chelsea's comeback to league action against Crystal Palace on Saturday, and that he will only rejoin the squad before the EFL Cup final against Liverpool next Sunday.

"It's too long for all of us, we miss him a lot," he said. "I had the feeling from the start we had to deal with a big injury and unfortunately, my feeling was right. 

"We had a setback when he caught the flu when he was close to rejoining team training. Like always, you have the risk with a physical player like Reece is with a muscle injury there is a delay.

Tuchel added:

"He's still in individual training, progressing a lot. We're waiting for him. The plan is for him to rejoin the group next week

."

When quizzed exactly when James might make his recuperation, the German conceded he didn't know, adding:

"Once he is in the team training, that he is ready to be under a certain amount of pressure and freedom of movement.

"I don't know (when he will return). I hope he will come back to team training next week, next step, then I can give you more."

Before his setback, James had been in brilliant shape, striking five goals and putting on six more from his wide-right position in Tuchel's three-at-back setup. With Chelsea still competing in three cup tournaments and an England team announcement looming before the March international break, his comeback will be appropriate. 

Tuchel has also been heartened by the arrival to the training of midfielder

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

, who has been sidelined with an Achilles injury for three weeks.

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