Kante and James Back in Action: Chelsea Set to Welcome Key Players for Clash Against Aston Villa
Chelsea have received a boost as head coach Graham Potter prepares to welcome back from injury Reece James and N’Golo Kante for their Premier League match against Aston Villa.
James withdrew from the England squad with an injury after playing the final six minutes of England’s 2-1 away win against Italy. He has been training with Chelsea since.
Kante has not played since August due to a hamstring injury that necessitated surgery, but he is expected to play against Villa after taking part in a series of behind-closed-doors friendlies during the break.
“Reece has had the last two training sessions with us so providing there is no reaction he should be available,” Potter said at a press conference on Friday.
“
N’Golo has had some time on the pitch, some game time, so that’s good for him.
“We have to manage that because he’s been out for so long but I’m pretty sure he will be out on the pitch at some point.”
Potter also confirmed that Saturday’s fixture will come too soon for defensive trio Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and Wesley Fofana, while Raheem Sterling is also set to miss the game.
“Silva and Azpilicueta are still away. Raheem and Fofana are coming back but will miss the game, they have more of a chance for Tuesday [v Liverpool],” Potter said.
Mason Mount was another forced to pull out of the England squad with a pubic bone injury and has endured a tough season with just three Premier League goals so far.
The 24-year-old’s contract expires at the end of next season but despite rumours over his future at the London club, Potter was full of praise for Mount’s attitude.
“Mount has trained and is available, probably not for the start,” he said.
“It’s been tough for him because he’s had niggly injuries and noise off the pitch. He’s a top professional, how he’s acted with me and around us has been top.
“Sometimes if things in your career aren’t optimal, you’ve got to act well and he has.”
Chelsea are 10th in the league and are looking to rebound from their disappointing 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Everton.
Villa are level on points with the Blues in 11th place and have gone unbeaten in their last four league games under Unai Emery.
![### David Luiz Set for a Chelsea Reunion at the 2025 Club World Cup Former Chelsea defender David Luiz is on course for a high-profile reunion with his old club at the 2025 Club World Cup. Now 37 years old, Luiz plays for Flamengo in Brazil and is likely to face Chelsea as the two clubs compete in Group D, which also includes Esperance and Club Leon. Despite nearing the twilight of his career, Luiz has been a regular feature for Flamengo, making 34 appearances in the last year, including 22 starts. Talks are reportedly ongoing for a contract extension, signaling Luiz's intent to continue playing at the highest level. ### From Chelsea to Arsenal and Beyond Luiz enjoyed two successful spells at Chelsea, making 248 appearances and winning multiple trophies, including the Champions League in 2012 and the Premier League in 2017. His move to Arsenal in 2019 surprised many due to the intense rivalry between the London clubs. Luiz, however, explained the decision as a personal and professional step forward. > "It is always quite hard because of their rivalry, but I took the decision to leave Chelsea before I got Arsenal’s proposal... I saw this as a possibility to write a new story in a new place, but I am also eternally grateful to Chelsea." Luiz maintains a deep respect and affection for Chelsea, acknowledging the friendships and memories he built during his time at Stamford Bridge. ### A Sentimental Reunion Facing Chelsea will undoubtedly be an emotional moment for Luiz. Reflecting on his time at the club, he stated: > "Of course, it will be different [to play against Chelsea]. I have enormous affection for Chelsea, where I got titles, developed [as a player], and made great friends. But today I play for Flamengo, and I will always give my best effort to honour the shirt I am wearing." The 2025 Club World Cup promises an intriguing narrative as Luiz and Flamengo square off against Chelsea, with the veteran defender seeking to make an impact in what could be one of the final chapters of his illustrious career.](https://futaa.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Its-Chelsea-81-360x180.jpg)
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