Chelsea are prepared to be without defender Reece James for the visit of Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The right-back had a scan on a new hamstring issue at the start of the week, with the Blues now taking a day-by-day approach as they aim to bring the former England star back to full fitness.

Better news for Chelsea arrives in the form of fellow full-back Malo Gusto, who trained with his teammates this week after missing the win at Leicester City last weekend due to illness.

Pedro Neto also returned to training following his absence from the matchday squad at the King Power Stadium, with the winger picking up a knock whilst on international duty for Portugal.

Spared the efforts of battling on the Conference League stage on Thursday, the likes of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson should all return to Enzo Maresca's XI on Sunday afternoon.

Filip Jorgensen produced an inspired performance to keep Heidenheim at bay last time out, however first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will regain his spot in between the sticks for the visit of the Villans.

Marc Cucurella will return at left-back, whilst Levi Colwill is expected to partner Benoit Badiashile at centre-back after watching from the bench at Voith-Arena earlier in the week.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson

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