REECE JAMES is set to return to the Chelsea XI for their crunch clash with Leicester.
The Blues head to the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night desperate to kickstart their season after a shaky start to 2020-21.
And boss Frank Lampard will be given a lift by the return of James form his injury lay-off in the Midlands.
The England right-back, 21, hasn’t played since the Boxing Day defeat at the hands of Arsenal with knee and hamstring injuries.
But James is now expected to return to the fold in the Midlands, replacing Cesar Azpilicueta in the team.
Andreas Christensen is also back from injury, but unlikely to make the starting XI.
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Chelsea‘s only injury worry now is star midfielder N’Golo Kante, who is not expected to be ready for the game in Leicester.
Lampard is likely to start with Edouard Mendy in goal, with James and Ben Chilwell in the full-back spots.
Antonio Rudiger could keep his place alongside Thiago Silva in the heart of defence.
But Kurt Zouma could instead be given the nod ahead of the German, who looked assured against Fulham.
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In midfield, Jorginho has failed to find his top form this term and Lampard could look to youngster Billy Gilmour in Kante’s absence.
Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz are likely to scrap it out for the final place in midfield alongside in-form Mason Mount.
Up front, it could be time for Lampard to give Timo Werner a breather, with the German struggling to cope with life in the Premier League.
The ex-RB Leipzig striker has missed a host of gilt-edged chances this season and looks a shell of the player who starred in the Bundesliga last term.
Tammy Abraham would likely take his place, should he be dropped, after Olivier Giroud failed to shine against Fulham at the weekend.
Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi could start on the wings, with Christian Pulisic potentially rested after his spate of injuries since moving to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea take on Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night, with kick-off 8.15pm.
