Mateo Kovacic has delivered a positive update on his fitness after returning from injury ahead of Chelsea's clash against Leicester City.
The midfielder is yet to appear for the Blues this season after sustaining a knee injury ahead of the season opener against Everton.
“Has issues with his knee, always a little bit of a reaction," Thomas Tuchel previously confirmed.
Advert
"We decided to take a step back and increase treatment time to reduce the stress that comes from training to have a normal reaction before we start again."
Chelsea were then handed a further blow, with N'Golo Kante replaced against Tottenham Hotspur after pulling up with a hamstring injury.
It is unclear as to the full extent of the injury to the Frenchman, but the absense of both Kante and Kovacic had left Chelsea short in midfield.
Advert
Against Leeds United the Blues lined up with Jorginho and Conor Gallagher in the centre of the pitch and were overran in the 3-0 defeat at Elland Road.
Therefore, Chelsea will be hoping to have Kovacic back as soon as possible as the Croatian looks to kick-start his season at Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old has now provided an update on his inury, looking to make a return to action against Leicester City on Saturday.
Speaking to Chelsea's official website, he said: "‘It is nice to be back on the pitch after I missed two weeks.
Advert
"It has been tough to come back, but it’s very nice and I cannot wait to be back with the boys on the pitch. I am ready for what is coming.
"I hate it (being ruled out through injury). It was tough, but the injury gives you something to improve more on the other side, I improved in the gym a little bit. I did some extra work and I feel good now to start."
The Croatian continued to discuss his emotions watching his team from the sidelines when unavailable for selection.
Advert
"I am very nervous on the sidelines," he continued. "I hate not being on the pitch as it is so difficult.
"I try and support the team in both good and tough moments, and I think it is important that everybody is involved, we act as a group and continue what we are doing in the last few years. That is how it should be."
Chelsea face Leicester City on Saturday, with the Foxes yet to win a match this season, and Kovacic is raring to go after working hard in training this week.
Advert
He joked: "That’s why the training today was so tough, maybe not so much for the other boys!
"It is not easy to miss part of pre-season, but injuries happen in football and I need to come back stronger."
Chelsea will be hoping to get back to winning ways infront of the home crowd at Stamford Bridge.
Topics: Chelsea, Mateo Kovacic, Premier League, Leicester City, Football
Nick Emms