Graham Potter has confirmed a number of Chelsea stars are nearing a return from injury as the Blues boss gave a positive update on his squad.
Reece James and Ben Chilwell both missed England’s World Cup campaign, after picking up knee and hamstring injuries respectively, while a knee problem has also kept Wesley Fofana out since early October.
The club’s injury concerns grew on Saturday, when Armando Broja was stretchered off in Chelsea’s friendly defeat to Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi. Potter admitted after the match it “doesn’t look positive”.
However, there is better news for the Blues in terms of those stepping up their recovery, with a couple of weeks to go until Potter and his side return to action in the Premier League at home to Bournemouth on December 27.
“The lads that have been injured have had a bit more time training and they’ve stepped up their rehab so that’s good, they’re getting closer,” Potter said.
“We’ve got a full week’s training when we get back and then we have a friendly the following week so that will be good. There’s a few more guys coming back from the World Cup so it’s moving nicely.
“We’ll be able to have a few more players back in full training with us. Reece James has moved forward, Wesley Fofana is moving forward, Carney Chukwuemeka is moving forward so that’s positive.
“Hopefully Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ben Chilwell can also take a step forward in their rehab next week so we’re optimistic about that.”
Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic are now Chelsea’s only players still at the World Cup in Qatar, with Morocco facing France in the semi-finals and Croatia coming up against Argentina.
The England trio of Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher will play no further part in the tournament after the defeat to France, while Thiago Silva’s Brazil side were also beaten in the quarter-finals.
