Huge Reece James injury update emerges as Enzo Maresca handed Chelsea option ahead of Liverpool

Chelsea captain Reece James has made his long-anticipated return to first-team training after persistent injury issues. New Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has yet to have to opportunity to select the right-back during the early part of his tenure at Stamford Bridge but the latest update is a giant step forward for the England international.

It has been a challenging few years for James after being reduced to just under 800 minutes in the last 18 months. Multiple injuries have hampered the involvement in West London.

appeared to be on the road to recovery and made his return during Chelsea's pre-season tour in America. But another hamstring problem setback with his last competitive outing coming in May.

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While the path to the first-team remains unclear for the 24-year-old, with the Blues unlikely to rush him back and be conscious of sparking any further spells on the sideline, pictures of James' return to training are a welcome boost for Chelsea with the club sharing an update on Monday afternoon/

"The only one [missing] is Reece. He is still out, and there is no real update on him at the moment," the Italian said in September.

Previously, he revealed: "His injury is a bit delayed, and the most important thing for him - for any injury - is the player comes back when they are 100 per cent fit.”

In the skipper's absence, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah have all deputised. Chelsea face an important run in the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Europe with a number of key matches on the horizon.

They return to top-flight action on Sunday as they look to provide the stiffest test for Arne Slot since he arrived at Liverpool as head coach.