Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has returned to training after missing the club's FIFA Club World Cup triumph.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who has played 20 times for the Blues in all competitions this season, was not part of the travelling squad that went to Abu Dhabi after he picked up an injury beforehand.
football.london understands that it was another Achilles injury for Loftus-Cheek, although it was not the same one he suffered a problem with in 2019.
Chelsea are being cautious in bringing Loftus-Cheek back to action, but he has been pictured training with his team-mates ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
This season has seen Loftus-Cheek re-introduce himself to the Chelsea supporters, with the midfielder showing glimpses of his undeniable talent.
Speaking to the official Chelsea website in November, the midfielder spoke about how the management of Thomas Tuchel has been helping him improve this term.
He said: "We have some talks about my game and he’s a manager who always wants to help you," he said. "He’s always trying to give me tips on how to get better, not just game by game but overall in general.
"He [Tuchel] is a fantastic manager and he knows his stuff so I’m in a good place to listen to him and develop that way.
"I am open to anything he says to me but I also think you develop most by playing a lot so I’m hoping to get as many games as possible."
It remains unclear whether Loftus-Cheek will be involved against Crystal Palace at the weekend, but with Chelsea being understandably cautious regarding the situation, it appears unlikely the Englishman will start.
