Ben Chilwell returns to Chelsea first-team training

Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell took part in training with the first team on Tuesday as he steps up his return from injury.

Chilwell suffered a nasty knee injury in November's 4-0 win over Juventus and has not been seen since. He attempted to avoid surgery but eventually went under the knife earlier this year, ending his season in the process.

He has been out on the grass for the past few weeks, joining in with some of the academy side's training sessions, and on Tuesday he made his first steps back into first-team training.

Manager Thomas Tuchel beamed as he gave Chilwell a big hug, while his team-mates all gave him a round of applause as he made his long-awaited return.

Chilwell will not return before this season comes to a close and is solely focused on making it back in time for the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

After his decision to undergo surgery, it was speculated that Chilwell could miss the first few weeks of the coming season, but the hope is that he will be ready to go in a few months' time.

Chelsea could be on the hunt for a new left-back this summer as Marcos Alonso nears a possible exit from Stamford Bridge. He is approaching the final 12 months of his contract and is towards the top of Barcelona's wish list, alongside Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Blues have held talks with versatile Inter wide man Ivan Perisic, whose contract at San Siro is up this summer.