The England international has been burdened by hamstring injuries over the past 18 months and he has just recovered from another lengthy setback.

James returned to team training earlier this week and the Blues head coach has revealed that he could be involved against the Reds on Sunday.

He said: "Finally he is back. He worked with us in the international break. It's good news for him."

Malo Gusto has done an incredible job in the right-back position and he has cemented himself as an undisputed starter in the absence of James.

The Frenchman is expected to keep his starting spot in the short-term with Maresca acknowledging that James has to improve on his fitness first.

The Blues graduate could be handed minutes off the bench in the coming weeks before he is reinstated into the starting line-up once again.

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