Chelsea confirm huge injury return ahead of Fulham clash

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed Chelsea will welcome left-back Ben Chilwell back from injury in Saturday's game against Fulham.

Chilwell, Chelsea's vice-captain, has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury back in September and is yet to play a game with the Infinite Athlete sponsorship on the front of the club's shirts.

It's been a long road to recovery but Pochettino revealed on Friday that Chilwell is finally back in contention alongside centre-back Benoit Badiashile, who has missed three games with a muscle problem.

"Good news about Chilwell and Ben [Badiashile]," Pochettino told his press conference. "Chilly and Benoit I think yes, for sure, they will be involved in the squad for tomorrow. Whenever you recover a player it is important they can be involved."

Pochettino also confirmed Carney Chukwuemeka is in with a shot of returning as well. The 20-year-old has been out since the second game of the season and his absence had become something of a mystery, with very few updates about what initially seemed to be a routine problem.

The Telegraph's Matt Law told the London Is Blue Podcast that Chukwuemeka's knee injury ended up being far more serious than expected and the young midfielder has been forced to work on his running style and body mechanics to prevent further issues.

Pochettino also had a mention for defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was injured in pre-season and has not been seen since. The 24-year-old, who has been linked with an exit this month, is back in light training as he nears a welcome return for Chelsea.

"Trevoh Chalobah has started to work with the group," the boss explained. "We need to assess day by day to see if he can help us. But he doing well. He's been training now with the group.

"I think it's good news that players like Chalobah, Chilwell, Badiashile and Chukwuemeka. They are so close to being involved again and help the team perform."

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