Reece James gives injury update ahead of Chelsea's Carabao Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough

Reece James has confirmed he is «progressing really well» in his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Chelsea captain underwent surgery last month after coming off in the 27th minute of the Blues' defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.

James' hamstring has caused him plenty of issues in recent times, with three long-term problems on the muscle in the last 12 months. The England international is understood to still be some way off returning to action but he has provided supporters with an update on his recovery.

«In terms of my own situation, I’m progressing really well with my recovery, everyone’s happy with how things are going at the moment,» James said in his programme notes ahead of Chelsea's Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash with Middlesbrough. «So, I’m in a good place and I can’t wait to join the team again.»

James will have to watch from the sidelines as his Chelsea teammates attempt to overturn the one-goal deficit they are facing from the first-leg. Hayden Hackney's first-half goal a fortnight ago was enough for Middlesbrough to take the advantage into this evening's game.

Mauricio Pochettino is looking to win his first major honour in English football. As well as this, he is desperate to show the Chelsea owners that he and his squad are making progress on the pitch.

When asked if the match with Boro is the biggest of his tenure at Stamford Bridge thus far, Pochettino responded: «Yes, because it is access to the final. We need to be convincing if we are going to win. It is the opportunity to play in a final so it is the most important so far.

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