• James, Nkunku & Colwill out injured for weeks
• Palmer missed Arsenal loss due to illness
• All four back in training ahead of Aston Villa

WHAT HAPPENED?

Right-back and Blues captain James has been out for four months with a hamstring problem, while Levi Colwill has been sidelined for nearly eight weeks with a toe issue. Moreover, Cole Palmer missed Chelsea's 5-0 loss to Arsenal due to illness and Christopher Nkunku, who has missed much of the season due to injury, suffered a hamstring setback in February and hasn't played since. However, training photos show all four are back on the grass.

WHAT CHELSEA SAID

While the below photos just show Blues duo James and Colwill training, photos on social media show Nkunku and Palmer on the grass as well.

Reece and Levi return to partial team training. 💪 pic.twitter.com/wZQ82hskoZ

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 25, 2024

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea have had a hefty list of injuries this season and skipper James has been one of the most notable absentees. The England international has made just nine appearances in all competitions this season, the last of which was in early December. If all four players are back playing soon, that is a big boost for the Blues.

WHAT NEXT?

While Chelsea fans eagerly await what manager Mauricio Pochettino has to say on the aforementioned players' return dates, the Blues are away to Champions League-chasing Aston Villa on Saturday night at Villa Park. They will hope at least Palmer is back for that clash.