Chelsea duo Reece James and Wesley Fofana have been seeing a reconditioning expert in Dubai as they look to speed up their recovery from injuries and return to the pitch at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Graham Potter, who was appointed as the Blues' head coach in September, has been unable to call upon the defenders in recent weeks and there is still doubt as to whether they will be back to full fitness ahead of the World Cup.

GiveMeSport Injury News

What's the latest news involving James and Fofana?

Chelsea have confirmed that James and Fofana headed to Dubai to continue their rehabilitation programmes this week.

James has been out of action since suffering a knee injury during the west Londoners' Champions League group stage clash with AC Milan last month and, having visited a specialist, was expected to be out of action for eight weeks.

But it appears that the right-back has not given up hope of representing England in the World Cup, which gets underway in Qatar on November 20.

It is understood that James is confident of being included in the Three Lions' squad for the tournament as he is ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Fofana also picked up a knee problem last month and is not expected to appear in a Chelsea shirt until after the World Cup.

Read more: World Cup 2022: Dates, Schedule, Location, Groups, Tickets, Odds And More

What has Simon Phillips said about James and Fofana?

Phillips was shocked to see Chelsea publicly reveal James and Fofana's recovery plan by releasing a club statement.

The journalist understands the duo are in Dubai, rather than receiving treatment at the Blues' Cobham training centre, to work with a reconditioning specialist.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: "Chelsea did the really unusual thing of putting out an official statement about Reece James last week.

"They've confirmed that he's gone to Dubai with Wesley Fofana and another medical person from Chelsea.

"They've spent the week in Dubai and I've heard that's because there's an expert there in reconditioning and that's purely what they've gone to do."

Have James and Fofana been missed by Chelsea?

Chelsea's unbeaten run under Potter came to an end last weekend, when their defensive frailties came to the fore in a heavy defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

That performance, more than any, showed the Blues have an improved rearguard when the £450,000-per-week pair are in the starting line-up.

James chalked up four goal contributions in his first 11 appearances of the season, so his attacking threat has been sorely missed.

Having completed a £75million switch from Leicester City in August, Fofana has averaged three tackles, 1.5 clearances and 0.5 interceptions per top flight outing.

Potter will be hoping the duo can return as soon as possible as he looks to guide Chelsea into the Premier League's top four.

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