Reece James has flown to Doha, Qatar to continue his rehab following hamstring surgery in December.
According to club insiders the trip was always planned for this stage of his recovery schedule and James has been joined by a member of the Blues medical staff.
The Chelsea captain is hopeful of returning towards the end of the season and playing a part in Chelsea’s run in but the club are cautious of rushing him back given this is the second hamstring injury he has suffered this season.
The 24 year olds last appearance for Chelsea came in the 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park at the start of December.
It is expected that the England international will fly home and be at Wembley on Sunday to watch his team mates try and beat Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup in what would be the first silverware of the Todd Boehly era.
In the absence of James, Malo Gusto has really impressed at right back having arrived from French side Lyon in the summer.
James has made only nine appearances this season providing one assist and playing just 452 minutes.
He has spent his entire career at Chelsea having coming through the ranks at Cobham spending a season on loan at Wigan Athletic before being given his chance in the first team by Frank Lampard.
