Ben Chilwell received a warm welcome in the Abu Dhabi sunshine as he arrived late to Chelsea’s Club World Cup group.
Well, a warmish reception from fellow recovering defender Reece James.
The club cameras caught Chilwell greeting a few of his teammates, including James, who acknowledged his delayed entrance with a light-hearted response.
Normal receptions are boring anyway.
Wing-backs waiting to play
Although both full-backs are now amongst the squad again, neither are going to feature in Chelsea’s Club World Cup fixtures.
James is nearing a return from his hamstring injury, yet this competition has turned up just slightly too soon.
Meanwhile, supporters probably won’t see Chilwell in competitive action until next season.
He might be up and about, but the 25-year-old’s anterior ligament wound still requires a complete recovery cycle.
It is encouraging to see the English pair still involved with the team in some capacity.
Usually, those out injured are separated from the main contingent, leaving them feeling extremely lonely and something of an outsider.
This current Chelsea side seems different from past cohorts, however, as there is a real bond between players, no matter their age or country of origin.
Chelsea a close nit bunch
They will need to summon up their togetherness for the rest of the campaign, as the games continue to come thick and fast, starting with tonight’s semi-final against Al Hilal.
Defeat the Saudi Arabian outfit and the Blues will face Palmeiras on Sunday.
Tuchel’s men would then have six days before the Premier League away clash with Crystal Palace, followed closely by a visit from Lille in the Champions League.
That subsequent Sunday is the Carabao Cup final, before an FA Cup trip to Luton Town.
Chelsea must conjure up equally enough spirit off the pitch as on it to get them through the hectic schedule.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
