Chelsea optimistic these two players could start against Bournemouth

Chelsea are currently in Abu Dhabi for their pre-season training which included all of their injured players, who were also involved.

While the injured players joined the trip to Abu Dhabi, it, however, doesn’t mean they would all be available when the season resumes on Boxing Day, with the likes of N’Golo Kanté and Ben Chilwell not expected to be back until later.

Kanté for one wouldn’t be back until the spring following his hamstring surgery in October, while Chilwell was expected to miss all of January as well with his hamstring tear.

But Chelsea are reportedly “optimistic” about being able to call on Reece James and Wesley Fofana for their first game against AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on December 27.

James and Fofana had been dealing with knee injuries, but have made good progress in their recoveries, which included a special rehab trip to Dubai, even.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is also expected to be good to go following his foot injury just before the break. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also expected to be ready as whatever he is dealing with isn’t too serious either.