Widely recognised as one of the best right-backs in the world, James would be a huge asset to any team. Throw into the mix that he is an academy graduate and your captain and the absence of the 24-year-old for much of this season has been clear to see.

The England international had been limited to nine appearances in all competition before yesterday’s match at the City Ground and had not featured in a matchday squad since January 11.

Pochettino named James as a substitute against Forest and with the Blues losing 2-1 heading into the final 11 minutes of normal time, the head coach decided to introduce his skipper.

Fast forward three minutes and Chelsea were 3-2 up and what proved to be the winning goal came courtesy of a trademark James’ cross which was nodded in at the far post by Nicolas Jackson.

Reece James was back. And in some style.

Unsurprisingly, Pochettino was asked about the impact of James’ return in his post-match press conference.

‘It is massive,’ Pochettino said. ‘It is unlucky that we only have two more games ahead and one week. But it is important for him to recover his feelings [for football].

‘He is such an important player for us, he is our captain and we all love him.

‘It is important for us to see if he can be fit to have the chance to play in this summer’s EUROs.’