Chelsea’s first-team players are returning to contact training after Premier League clubs voted unanimously in favour of initiating phase two of their Project Restart plans on Wednesday.
And with the 20 clubs nearing agreement around a June return to competitive action, the end is in sight for the unprecedented break that has placed the importance of football in perspective.
While Frank Lampard had a hefty injury list to deal with when football was placed on hiatus by the coronavirus, those concerns have been lifted.
Here are the latest updates on those who had been carrying injuries or lacking match fitness before the break.
N’Golo Kante
The Frenchman has made just 16 Premier League starts in a campaign interrupted by ankle, knee and muscle injuries but has recovered from those knocks.
However, his participation is in doubt after being granted compassionate leave over safety concerns.
He is not under pressure to return until comfortable to do so but if he remains out for a series of weeks his return will be delayed by the need for extra training.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
The England international had recovered from last season’s achilles rupture and was playing a full part in training when the break arrived, simply working on his fitness before coming back into the fold.
He should now be on the same level as his team-mates and expect him to play a role once games resume.
Tammy Abraham
Chelsea’s leading goalscorer, with 13 in the league, missed a number of games before the break because of an ankle injury but has fully recovered.
The 22-year-old was regularly posting footage of himself running alone before phase one training began, so expect him to return from the off.
Christian Pulisic
Having closed out 2019 impressively, the American star has not featured since the draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion on New Year’s Day because of a muscular upper leg issue.
Another who was close to returning when football ground to a halt, he had been keeping sharp in workouts with his father Mark that were posted online and has returned to training in good shape.
Marco Van Ginkel
The timing of the break will have hurt the Dutch midfielder particularly hard considering he was back training on the grass following two years out with a knee injury.
His current contract runs out next month and although the club have an option to extend, like they have already with Olivier Giroud and Willy Caballero, it is unclear if the player once referred to as the “next Frank Lampard” will remain at Stamford Bridge. Unlikely to play a part this season despite his recovery.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
England international became the first top-flight player to test positive for covid-19 the day before games were postponed but made a full recovery.
Also missed some training owing to another illness last week requiring medication and his arrest and impending court hearing means that there are questions over his availability next month.
