da brdice： Chelsea have been handed a potentially huge boost for their Carabao Cup final date against Liverpool, with Reece James back on grass.

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James nursing hamstring problemSidelined since DecemberBut hints at return to actionGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The England defender has been sidelined since December with a hamstring injury, and has made just nine appearances all season in what has been another injury-hit campaign. But as Chelsea gear up for a final against Liverpool on February 25, James appears to be nearing a return to action. The Blues full-back hinted as much with an Instagram post on Thursday.

AdvertisementWHAT JAMES POSTEDIG: reeceGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea have suffered something of an injury crisis this term, with significant absentees ranging from summer signings Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia to England full-back senior figure Ben Chilwell. But James' long-term absence has been a cause for concern at Stamford Bridge given the recurring nature of said hamstring issue – the 24-year-old missed a significant portion of last season with both hamstring and knee problems.

WHAT NEXT?

Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea fans will hope James' return isn't another false dawn, as any further setbacks would sadly raise questions over his long-term future in the game. The Blues can, at least, take some solace in having a worthy back-up in Malo Gasto at the club, with the Frenchman proving to be one of the unsung heroes of Chelsea's lavish spending under Todd Boehly.