Chelsea were back in for a full day of training today, and all the headlines from the session were stolen by one man.
Reece James trained properly with the first team for the first time since preseason, and there were smiles all round as he got stuck in with the rag tag group of young players and non-internationals present at training.
Also pictured was someone we really didn’t expect to see – Noni Madueke.
We actually had to do a double take to check it was the winger. This time last night he was coming on as a sub for England, yet 12 hours or so later he was out training with his club.
That’s great commitment – we love to see that. Enzo Maresca will be delighted, and it’s potentially another sign of the impressive work rate and dedication Madueke is showing to keep improving his game.
Manager desperate for more of his defensive jigsaw to return
Having Madueke back this early in the week is a bonus for Maresca, who will obviously be keen to start his specific match preparation for the huge game against Liverpool this weekend, but is still lacking a lot of the players he needs to actually start getting too specific.
If Madueke was back today, we can expect his England teammate Levi Colwill (who didn’t play a minute last night) to return tomorrow, hopefully joined by a couple of other European based players who have completed both of their international commitments.
Most of all he will want Renato Veiga back, as the left back is going to be facing up to Mo Salah this weekend, filling in for the suspended Marc Cucurella. Given Wesley Fofana is also suspended, getting the makeshift back 4 together is a priority.
