James had not featured since March before coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw at Anfield, but impressed McFarlane sufficiently to be considered for a starting role at Wembley. Levi Colwill, Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho have also been passed fit. Goalkeeper Robert SĂĄnchez, who suffered a head injury against Nottingham Forest earlier this month, is also available.
"We felt like we needed him in that moment in the game, and it was great to have him back. Andrey Santos did really well, but we just wanted to freshen it up in midfield and get a bit more control. Reece and Moi have played together in that position loads of times, and you can see the connection in there."
"We're really pleased that Reece came through that, and really pleased with the week he's put in in preparation for Manchester City. He's in a really good place."
McFarlane was unambiguous about James' standing in the game.
"Reece is a massive player for this team and England. The amount of positions he can play, his skillset in and out of possession. He's one of the best for me, one of the most complete footballers in world football."
EstĂȘvĂŁo Willian will miss the final after sustaining a hamstring injury against Manchester United in April â his fifth injury absence of the season. The teenager remains in Brazil completing his rehabilitation and will not feature again this season. Jamie Gittens and Jesse Derry are also absent.
"I know that EstĂȘvĂŁo has gone back to Brazil. He's not in London at the moment. He's in Brazil recovering, but I'm sure those conversations are going on in terms of how long his recovery is going to be. We know that he's not going to be fit for us from now to the end of the season. EstĂȘvĂŁo's a top player, top talent, really good to work with, but right now our focus is on the next three games."
Chelsea's last FA Cup triumph was in 2018, when they beat Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley. They have not beaten City in any competition since 2021.