Chelsea have been given another major injury boost just the day after N'Golo Kante made his return to training. The Frenchman did not take part in the full session, but seeing him back out on the grass with his team mates will be an excellent sight for those at Chelsea.
Joining him on the training pitches outside is Christian Pulisic who has been absent for nearly two months after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City in January. Pulisic and Kante stepping up their recovery is huge for Graham Potter, but the weekend has likely come too soon for the duo.
The Blues will be hoping to get back to winning ways as they on Tottenham on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. From their last eight Premier League outings against their capital rivals, Chelsea have won six and drawn two and will therefore be hoping to extend their unbeaten run to nine.
READ MORE: Tottenham tipped to hijack Chelsea move for Mauricio Pochettino in Potter and Conte dilemma
So, with that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest injury news at Chelsea ahead of the blockbuster London derby against Tottenham.
N'Golo Kante
Kante, who sees is contract expire in the summer - although Chelsea are now very confident he will sign a new deal, as football.london understands - is yet to feature under Potter after suffering a hamstring injury against Tottenham in August. The France international has been doing some light training with the rest of the Chelsea squad at Cobham recently as he builds his match fitness, football.london understands.
It's said that the 31-year-old is targeting a return to first-team action in March.
What Potter said: "N’Golo did his first couple of days out training on his own but there is still a long, long way to go."
Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: March
Cesar Azpilicueta
Following the defender's injury blow against the Saints, it seems Cesar Azpilicueta is in good spirits. Taking to social media, the Spaniard posted an update on Sunday afternoon accompanied by a cheesy grin.
The captain was later discharged from hospital, with a statement from the club reading: "Following a concussion injury sustained during Saturday’s game against Southampton, César Azpilicueta has been discharged from hospital and is recovering well at Cobham.
"The club’s medical team are closely monitoring César’s condition, adhering to the important concussion protocols in place to ensure his safety. César observed training today, before he starts working towards returning to the pitch."
The Chelsea captain also gave his version of events earlier this week: "It was scary, mostly for the people around me and my family," he said. "The last thing I could remember was when the corner was going to be kicked. The first thing [I heard] when I woke up was when the fans were signing my name, so I would like to say thank you."
Injury: Concussion
Expected return date: Late February/Early March
Christian Pulisic
Pulisic looks set to be closing in on a return to a Chelsea matchday squad after nearly two months out with a knee injury.
Posting to his Instagram story, Pulisic revealed he is back training on the grass at Cobham with a picture alongside Mason Mount.
What Potter said: "No chance, no, he will be out past that [January transfer deadline] and there was never any consideration about him leaving anyway. He is a couple of months out.
"He is disappointed but he is optimistic about coming back quicker than two months. He is in that phase where he is keeping his fingers crossed and hoping his rehab goes well."
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: March
Edouard Mendy
Chelsea confirmed early in January that Mendy had undergone an operation on a fractured finger sustained during training, meaning he will be absent from the squad for some time. The Senegalese shot-stopper was expected to miss at least six weeks, and has yet to return.
Injury: Finger
Expected return date: Unknown
Armando Broja
Chelsea are set to be without Broja until at least the summer months, after the striker suffered a knee injury in a mid-season friendly against Aston Villa. The 20-year-old screamed in pain following a collision with Ezri Konsa and he was subsequently stretchered off the field of play.
He looked to be in considerable pain and was seen to be clutching his leg as he was tended to by medical staff. The Albania international had no history of knee injuries and his injury is a major blow with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of favour at present.
Broja is expected to be out for at least the remainder of the season after learning that he needs surgery to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, football.london understands.
What Potter said: ''It was just an unfortunate action. He got caught up with their player and the ground. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.''
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Summer/Autumn 2023
READ NEXT:
Chelsea will love Mykhailo Mudryk and Arsenal revelation as transfer chief sends Blues message
Todd Boehly sent FFP warning as Chelsea and Man City transfer spend questioned
Chelsea suffering from long-term Graham Potter problem that he must solve to avoid the sack
Chelsea have 11 transfer decisions ahead of summer window amid Graham Potter pressure
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
