Graham Potter has claimed in his post-match interview that he is hopeful for Ben Chilwell and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to take a step closer to full fitness next week.
The pair were both unable to take part in the friendly match against Aston Villa yesterday, due to injuries suffered before the break in club football.
Both injuries ended either players’ dreams of representing England at the World Cup, with Loftus-Cheek reportedly pushing selectors after an impressive personal campaign.
It has also been claimed that the midfielder hasn’t trained since the injury early in the game against Newcastle.
Despite the issues, Potter named both players as ones who are stepping up their returns to fitness.
He said: “This week we can have a few more players back in full training with us. Reece has moved forward, Wesley and Carney are moving forward, so that’s positive.
Loftus-Cheek and Chilwell close to return
“Then hopefully Ruben, Ben Chilwell can take a step forward in their rehab next week. We’re optimistic about that.”
Injuries ended up plaguing the Blues in the final weeks of the season before Christmas, which coincided with fixtures against the top three in the league.
If they are to recover what has been a dismal season so far, they are going to need the majority of their first team squad fit and ready to go as the fixtures continue to stack up.
They will be hoping to also continue to compete in a number of competitions, despite being dumped out of the League Cup at the first hurdle.
They will face Manchester City in the FA Cup in January, before taking on Jude Bellingham’s Borussia Dortmund in the first knockout round of the Champions League.
As for Chilwell and Loftus-Cheek individually, they will be hoping they can be fit enough to compete for a start when their season resumes on December 27.
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