Graham Potter has delivered his verdict on Ben Chilwell's return form injury after being named as Thomas Tuchel's replacement last month.
The wing-back was out of the majority of last season after suffering an ACL injury against Juventus in November.
Chilwell's absence saw Chelsea's form fall off as they struggled throughout the season.
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Marc Cucurella was brought in during the summer transfer window, seeing Chilwell's game time at the beginning of the season limited.
Tuchel's dismissal saw Cucurella's former head coach at Brighton, Potter, brought in as a replacement.
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The Englishman has now delivered his verdict on Chilwell, praising the defender for his attitude and commitment.
As quoted by football.london, Potter said: "I've been really impressed with him, his attitude has been fantastic.
"Of course it's frustrating not to play but he's intelligent enough to know he's had a long injury and it's about step by step getting to his full fitness.
"He played a behind-closed-doors game for us, 90 minutes.
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"I've no doubt about him physically, it's just for him to be ready to play. I'm sure he will.
"He's an important member of the team, that's how I see it.
"I can't make any comment about anything else outside of Chelsea, but for us he's an important player."
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It remains to be seen as to how the Englishman will look to play both Chilwell and Cucurella, with the Spaniard a potential option on the left of a back three.
This was preferred by Potter in his first match, a 1-1 draw against FC Salzburg.
Chilwell proved to be crucial under Tuchel but now he must prove himself under the new regime at Stamford Bridge.
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Potter will be hoping that Chilwell's return from injury can prove to be a boost to his squad, with Chelsea already losing three times this season.
The new head coach has somewhat of a mountain to climb to qualify from their Champions League group and recover the form in the Premier League.
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Ben Chilwell, Football
Nick Emms