Chelsea receive double injury boost ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Calum McFarlane press conference: Chelsea injury update as Reece James and Levi Colwill near returns before Forest

Chelsea head into Monday’s meeting with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge looking to build some momentum after a difficult run of results in the Premier League.

The Blues have slipped to eighth in the table and now sit 10 points off the Champions League places, a gap they must quickly reduce if they are to salvage their season.

That downturn ultimately led to the departure of Liam Rosenior, with Calum McFarlane stepping in on an interim basis once again.

His second spell in charge began with a narrow FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds United, offering some encouragement ahead of the final weeks of the campaign.

Reece James and Levi Colwill nearing returns

There was some more positive news on the injury front as McFarlane addressed the media at Cobham on Friday.

“Reece is back in training and Levi, both looking good,” McFarlane said in his press conference.

“A little way to the game, so we’ll see how they do, but both are looking promising. We’re taking it day by day. Levi has had a long injury. Reece had a really good run and was then injured again, so we don’t want to push too much.”

Reece James has not featured since suffering a hamstring problem in March, missing seven matches in all competitions. His return to training is a timely boost, even if the club remain cautious over his workload.

Levi Colwill is also edging closer after a lengthy spell out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained earlier in the season. The defender recently stepped up his recovery with an appearance for the Under-21s, where he impressed.

McFarlane also highlighted the importance of James within the squad since his own appointment earlier this year.

“Reece has been brilliant since the day I stepped up in January.”

With just a handful of games remaining, Chelsea will hope the return of key players can help stabilise their form and keep their European ambitions alive heading into the final stretch.