Ben Chilwell has taken the next step towards recovery after suffering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The left-back was dealt the setback in November during the second half of the impressive Champions League win over Juventus.
He was subsequently expected to miss the rest of the season, handing Thomas Tuchel's side a major blow in the Premier League title race and their bid to retain Chelsea's European crown. Chilwell featured 12 times for the Blues prior to his absence, directly contributing toward four goals.
The 25-year-old was central to much of the west London side's success in the early stages of the season. Chilwell welded a strong relationship with Reece James which Marcos Alonso has struggled to replicate.
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And, amid the England international's absence, Chelsea have been left to greatly rue his injury. Though, Chilwell may not be so far from a return.
He has trained with the under-18s and under-23s lately as he steps up his fitness levels. Whilst his return date is still officially unknown, the defender's return to the pitch is welcomed news and looks set to be ready next season.
Speaking to the press ahead of the west London side's clash against Arsenal earlier last month, Tuchel confirmed that Chilwell will not return until after the end of the season. The Blues boss said: "On the pitch? Premier League match? No. I don’t think we will rush this.
"Ben will now be in the transition to join academy training, to have team training but not on the physicality level like with us. These will be his next steps in the next weeks. Hopefully, he can join our training at the end of the season but no matches on that level."
