Reece James all smiles at Chelsea training as England international steps up injury recovery ahead of Premier League return and Euro 2024

The Blues shared the image on their official Instagram account of James in training at their Cobham base as he steps up his recovery from hamstring surgery. The 24-year-old has not played since December 10 when he was forced off against Everton.

James has been plagued by hamstring injuries in recent years. A knee injury also ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup, and he has played just once for England since.

In a recent Instagram post of his own, James said: "I've been gone a while, but I'm doing well, really well. The journey has been long and tough, but nothing I couldn't handle. I'm in a good place. The comeback is on. [I'm] more hungry than ever; stay well in the meantime and see you soon."

While James will be hoping to play again this season and possibly force his way into Gareth Southgate's squad for the European Championship, his Chelsea team-mates will look to book another domestic final spot when they face Manchester City at Wembley today in the FA Cup semis.