Chelsea handed positive injury updates for two key defenders ahead of Forest visit

Calum McFarlane has given fans reason for optimism ahead of Chelsea's upcoming showdown with Nottingham Forest. The Blues could see a pair of star defenders return to the squad when they host Vitor Pereira's team at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Speaking to the press at Chelsea's training facility on Friday, McFarlane confirmed that Reece James has rejoined first-team training. The Chelsea captain picked up a hamstring injury in March and has been sidelined ever since, sitting out the last seven games across all competitions.

The interim Blues manager also said that Levi Colwill has been 'looking good.' Last weekend, the defender marked his long-anticipated comeback with a standout showing for Chelsea's Under-21 side, as per football.london.

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Colwill, who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of pre-season, helped Harry Hudson's team secure a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Round of 16 of the Premier League 2 play-offs. McFarlane said: "Reece is back in training and Levi, both looking good.

"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."

Despite being sidelined for approximately six weeks, James has continued to be an influential presence in the locker room. McFarlane said: "Reece has been brilliant since the day I stepped up in January.

"He's been injured, so it's a different role. Even though he's young, he's experienced and won major tournaments. He's a massive part of the leadership group and he's been a massive help to me and the staff."

McFarlane kicked off his second stint as interim head coach with a victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final. It marked the Blues' first win in nearly a month, following their seven-goal demolition of Port Vale in the prior round of the tournament.

"It's always difficult when you're not performing and not getting the results," said the 38-year-old. "It's amazing how a win can change the feel and atmosphere of the group."

Chelsea surrendered substantial ground in the battle for UEFA Champions League qualification under Liam Rosenior's leadership, dropping 10 points behind their rivals. Asked whether a top-five finish in the Premier League remains achievable, McFarlane said: "I think you're right when you say that."

"We have to win our games and not think about anything else," he added. Regarding what takes precedence for the rest of the season, the interim Blues manager said: "Getting the next training session right, getting the next game right, taking it day by day and make sure we're preparing at an elite level."

McFarlane was also quizzed on whether he intends to bring any of the under-21 players into the senior setup. He said: "There's a lot of young talent in Cobham. I know them really well.

"They're training with us all the time. They have a massive game tonight and I will be there watching. I'll be watching and there's a lot of talent in there that could definitely make the step up."