The reigning European champions travel to Abu Dhabi, UAE next week for the semi-finals of the competition and the right-back won’t be a part of their squad.
The German was asked to give an update on his medical condition at a recent press conference and said James is still some way from returning to training with the group.
James, who’s been injured six times since the start of the 2019-20 season, picked up a fresh knock to his hamstring at the end of December and has been missing in action ever since.
He was a revelation in the Chelsea squad until then, scoring four goals and making five assists in 16 Premier League appearances, whilst also netting once against Juventus in the Champions League.
Chelsea’s key defender to return soon
If he would’ve needed surgery, James would’ve been ruled out for the remainder of Chelsea’s season, but fortunately for him and his club, it wasn’t needed.
He’s currently on course to return to action as soon as next week, after the squad returns from the Club World Cup.
Tuchel is cautious of the situation and wants to approach the defender’s case with patience while admitting that James is working hard to achieve fitness.
Chelsea will play the winner of Al Hilal vs Al Jazira in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup on Wednesday, February 9.
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