Chelsea’s winter break to-do list: Getting Reece James back to fitness just one issue for Blues to resolve

After a brutal run of 16 games since the start of December, the winter break gives a tired Chelsea squad the opportunity to regroup.

Here are three issues for Thomas Tuchel to resolve during the two-week gap before they play next...

Rest, rest, rest

That is the name of the game for Tuchel and his Chelsea players.

He has given them all the freedom of a week’s break, with players taking the opportunity to jet away for some much-needed relaxation after such a hectic Christmas and New Year schedule.

Tuchel himself plans to take some downtime. He has looked visibly wearied by his side’s alarming mid-season slump and the effect of injuries and Covid.

It will be fascinating to see if the break re-energises the European champions.

Clear up injuries

Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James are both back in training after stepping up their recoveries from hamstring injuries.

There is hope that both will be available for selection when Chelsea face Plymouth in the FA Cup on February 5 – but even if not, they should be ready to take part in the Club World Cup, which starts next month.

Andreas Christensen should also have recovered from a back injury.

England full-back Reece James is back in Chelsea training
Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Tuchel will then have the benefit of a near-fully fit squad, with the exception of Ben Chilwell, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

In a season that has been decimated by injuries and Covid cases, Tuchel has rarely had the luxury of so many available players.

Last-minute transfer business

Tuchel wanted his January business completed by now. He even warned the club that the season could be wrecked if they gambled by waiting for the return of James.

Their title challenge has almost certainly run its course after failing to cope with the absence of both first-choice wing-backs – but Tuchel still wants cover on the left as he focuses on cup competitions.

Recalling Emerson Palmieri from loan at Lyon is his favoured choice, but bringing in anyone is quickly becoming the priority in the final days of the window.

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