Chelsea have received a huge boost after captain Reece James returned to full training.

James is yet to play a competitive match under new boss Enzo Maresca after injuring his hamstring in August during pre-season.

The right-back, who was banned for the first four games of this season after being sent off in the penultimate match of previous campaign, has been working his way back to full fitness.

Chelsea have confirmed James has now returned to “team training” and the 24-year-old will hope that he can put his injury hell behind him.

The Blues captain started just five Premier League games last season and underwent surgery in December on a hamstring problem.

James featured regularly under Maresca in pre-season and expressed his excitement at working under him.

“There is a lot of adjustments to make to the new system,” he said in the summer. “Whenever a new manager comes in, there’s a lot to take on board, but we are excited and I can’t wait to get started.

“The last 16 months have been frustrating, whether that be suspension or injury, but I’m really excited, I feel like I’m in a good place for this season and I cannot wait to get playing and find my rhythm again.”