Chelsea handed major boost as 25-year-old star named in squad for Ipswich Town clash after return from hamstring injury: Reports

Chelsea have been handed a major boost ahead of their Premier League game at Ipswich Town on Monday (December 30), as Reece James has returned to the squad. The Blues skipper was out with a hamstring injury since November.

The 25-year-old defender will start on the bench for the visitors, as boss Enzo Maresca has made five changes to the side that lost 2-1 at home to Fulham on Boxing Day.

It was Chelsea's first Premier League defeat since October when they lost 2-1 at leaders Liverpool. Maresca's men, who are fourth in the league table, are winless in two games.

The Blues will be buoyed by the availability of captain James, who returned to training last week, with Maresca revealing that he will be eased slowly into the team.

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Chelsea boss reacts to Reece James' return from injury

The Blues manager revealed plans of James starting training sessions with the first team last week.

Before his injury, James had logged in 241 minutes of league action for the Blues this season. His return comes as a major boost for Maresca, whose defence has been hit with a few injuries in recent weeks.

Ahead of the goalless draw with Everton, Maresca had said about James:

"James finally (on Friday) will start with us for part of the session, so slowly, slowly, he will be back. That doesn’t mean he is going to be with us on Sunday (against Everton or next Sunday).

“The plan for him (on Friday) is to be with the team for part of the session and from there to try to build the right condition for him. Then finally he can be back with us.”

The Blues captain will look to make his first league appearance since November if he comes off the bench at Ipswich..