Chelsea receive double injury boost ahead of Preston FA Cup clash
Chelsea duo Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka have both been pictured in training at Cobham ahead of the Blues' clash with Preston North End in the FA Cup. Chilwell has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury at the end of Chelsea's Carabao Cup win over Brighton, while former Aston Villa youngster Chukwuemeka has not featured since he suffered an injury against West Ham having levelled the scores in the match.
The latter had been expected back earlier in the season and appeared on the bench against Burnley but suffered a setback in October following a complicated knee issue. That saw additional rehabilitation required for Chukwuemeka's plan to reach full fitness.
In the absence of Christopher Nkunku, Chukwuemeka looked set for a prominent role in Chelsea's side having completed pre-season in the United States. The 20-year-old started the west London side's opening two matches of the season before leaving the pitch after 45 minutes against the Hammers.
Pochettino reflected in December: «Carney. That is another signing for us. That is a player that can be this playmaker we are talking about. He is out and never played again. He scored and was doing well.»
Chukwuemeka and Chilwell have previously been shown undertaking work on Chelsea's training pitches but individually. Monday's release of images saw the Chelsea stars involved in small group games however, so at least a partial reintroduction to the team appears to have occurred.
Gallagher decision, Lavia plan — Chelsea have three January priorities for Pochettino success
Mauricio Pochettino already has dream Nicolas Jackson replacement as major Chelsea hint dropped
The Blues still have a lengthy injury list with Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Marc Cucurella out for
Read on football.london
