Reece James update, midfield battle – Five things spotted in Chelsea training before Liverpool

Enzo Maresca has been putting his players through their paces at Cobham training ground ahead of Chelsea's clash against Liverpool. The Blues will lock horns with Arne Slot's side at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, .

Before the international break, were held to a 1-1 a draw with Nottingham Forest. While the west Londoners couldn't translate their dominant performance into three points, .

"When we started the season, to think by the second international break you are fourth, the way the team are playing, , for sure I am very happy," said the Italian, in an interview with the .

"We have 14 points from seven games, it is important, but for me it is also important to see the way we got 14 points – , in different types of games, home and away."

Maresca will be hoping his side can pick up from where they left off. So, with that being said, football.london has spotted five things in training that you might have missed as .

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James makes his return

Reece James returned to first-team training during the international break after suffering a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old defender missed the start of the campaign due to suspension; he was shown a red card during the penultimate game of last term.

Then, just as he looked set to return, James picked up another knock. The England international has been really unfortunate with injuries lately, but he's back on the grass now and eyeing a his first appearance under Maresca.

Chelsea duo battle for possession

Carney Chukwuemeka and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were spotted battling it out for possession. With Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo playing World Cup qualifiers for Argentina and Ecuador, respectively, during the early hours of Wednesday morning (Tuesday evening local time) there could be a spot available in the starting lineup at the weekend.

Previously, those on international duty for South American countries returned later than those serving in Europe, largely due to fixture arrangements and travel times. Maresca will want fresh legs in the middle of the park this weekend, so Chukwuemeka and Dewsbury-Hall have a point to prove.

Madueke's in good spirits

Noni Madueke was in good spirits upon his return from international duty with England. The 22-year-old winger featured off the bench in each of the Three Lions' two Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.

Lavia works towards full fitness

Romeo Lavia will also be vying for a place in the starting lineup this weekend. The 20-year-old midfielder was given a crucial role in the side during pre-season and against Manchester City at the start of the campaign before picking up a knock.

He's now back in contention ahead of the Liverpool clash, and supporters will be eager to see him in action again. Lavia enjoyed a brief cameo off the bench against Brighton, but he was an unused substitute during the Forest clash.

Youngsters given chance to impress

During the international break, the first-team have been joined by a few members of the under-21s squad to beef up the group numbers. In the absence of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli and coaches Hilario and Michele De Bernardin enjoyed playing some roundnet, or spikeball, with some of the young Academy shot-stoppers.