Erik Lamela made an instant impression off the bench on Wednesday night against RB Leipzig.
Trailing 1-0 following Timo Werner's penalty shortly after the break, the Argentine caught the eye in his 26 minutes on the pitch as he put himself about and tried to make things happen.
Lamela actually didn't train with the squad fully ahead of the Champions League game against the Bundesliga high-flyers, instead just taking part in the warm-up when the media were allowed to film the first 15 minutes of training.
Absent from Jose Mourinho's first few games at the club due to a hamstring injury, a groin issue then forced him to miss the Southampton and Aston Villa fixtures before his return against RB Leipzig.
Mourinho is extremely fond of the 27-year-old and he has revealed that Lamela, who has once again trained away from his teammates to protect him for the Chelsea game, actually stayed in the capital during the recent winter break to step up his fitness.
"Not training with the squad, just being protected to be in conditions to give us some time in the next match," the boss told football.london at his press conference.
"A player I like very, very much, I've always liked, but a difficult season for him, lots of injuries and problems.
"An incredible spirit to recover, incredible spirit to work and didn't even go home to Argentina in the days off that we gave to the boys. Stayed here working hard, trying to give us what he gave in last game, after no training, no conditions.
"Tomorrow will be the same, he'll be here to help."
