REECE JAMES is closing in on a return to training after progressing well in his injury recovery.
The Chelsea captain suffered a hamstring injury on the opening day of the season against Liverpool last month.
There were initial fears James would be out until Christmas with a diagnosis estimating a return to light training in mid-October.
However, he could return sooner after progressing well on his personal rehabilitation programme, according to the Daily Mail.
James, 23, has been working by himself but there is hope he will return to full training alongside his team-mates ahead of the Burnley clash on October 7.