A number of Chelsea stars have returned to Cobham to get back to work under the watchful eye of new boss Graham Potter ahead of the Blues' clash with Crystal Palace this weekend.
Much of Chelsea's first team squad remain on international duty but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Trevoh Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli were all in training on Monday after a period of time off, ahead of a hectic October fixture list.
Only Mendy of that group was actually called up for international selection, but the Senegal goalkeeper has not been involved with the African Cup of Nations champions' as they defeated Bolivia and next take on Iran. The 30-year-old has been managing a knee injury in recent weeks, and has not started either of Chelsea's last two matches.
READ MORE: Reece James makes 'exciting' Graham Potter verdict and names what Chelsea must change
Ahead of Chelsea's match against Salzburg in the Champions League, Potter acknowledged Mendy's issue. He said: "Eddie has responded well, but his knee has bothered him for a bit. I don't think it'll be long, but we need to give him some time."
The Blues boss has had little time to work with his squad since taking the helm not even three weeks ago and already seen games against Fulham and Liverpool postponed. However, football.london understands a behind-closed-doors friendly did take place with Potter's former team Brighton, where the Blues came away 2-1 victors. Those who featured against Salzburg did not appear at the Amex Stadium but Carney Chukwuemeka bagged a brace.
Potters' limited time with his squad means even with such a small group, the opportunity to coach his players cannot be easily passed up as he tries to impress his ethos in a new environment.
N'Golo Kante was not among photographs released by the club on Monday, but the Frenchman has been building his fitness after missing out on the France squad for their Nations League fixtures having picked up a hamstring injury against Tottenham earlier in the season.
To help bulk up the numbers of the session, a cohort of development players were also involved. The club pictured Dylan Williams, Ben Elliott, Josh Brooking and Brodi Hughes among the group.
READ NEXT:
- Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Injury blow, Reece James and Kante boost, Jude Bellingham urge
- Chelsea have key advantage to beat Liverpool and Man Utd to sign long-term N'Golo Kante replacement
- Christian Pulisic drops major Chelsea transfer hint amid Gabriel Slonina message
- Timo Werner makes blunt three-word Chelsea admission following failed £45m transfer
- Edouard Mendy woes, super Thiago Silva, Conor Gallagher poor, Mason Mount issue – Chelsea players rated for season so far
