Just about a month before the Premier League's return, Graham Potter's Chelsea team resumed training. As the World Cup group stage draws to a close, more players from the first team will be ready to join up once their assignments in Qatar are finished.
Potter has had time to regroup and reenergize after a hectic start to life. The Blues have had just over two weeks off since losing 1-0 to Newcastle. Once domestic activity resumes, there won't be much time for error because crucial games will come thick and fast.
As part of a midseason training camp, Chelsea will have the opportunity to practice against Aston Villa in an exhibition game in Abu Dhabi. Amongst this group will be Reece James - who missed the World Cup with a knee injury - and also Wesley Fofana.
The Frenchman was less likely to be involved in Qatar but also suffered a knee knock before the break and that all but ruled out any slim chances he had of making Didier Deschamps' side. The defensive pair will be back in action for Potter after the break in a huge boost.
The former Brighton manager will be without Ben Chilwell though as he is set to face at least another two months out. This space opened up room for teenager Lewis Hall to push himself into first team contention and that was something that the dynamic full-back certainly took.
Hall impressed for the Blues after making his debut last season in the FA Cup and earned a first start against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup following Chilwell's injury. Hall has been one of the standout players for the Under-21 side and can also play in midfield as well as full-back and wing-back.
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