Two Chelsea stars step up injury returns after part training involvement ahead of Leeds clash

N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic have both taken a step closer to returning from injury after the duo were involved in Chelsea training on Monday afternoon.

Graham Potter is yet to see Kante play for Chelsea since he arrived last September. Kante has been out of action since August due to a hamstring injury.

The 31-year-old underwent surgery in October which left him sidelined for around four months, with a return expected at the end of February or start of March.

Kante’s return is in line with the initial timeline and he has been stepping up his road to recovery and could be available to make his comeback at some point in March.

Meanwhile, Pulisic, who has been linked with a summer switch to Real Madrid, has been out of action since the start of January when he sustained a knee injury that would rule him out for around two months.

Just like Kante, the USMNT has been making his way back and was also involved in the warm-up session last week with the rest of his teammates.

It was previously reported that Pulisic would work towards a potential appearance against Leeds United, who the Blues face this weekend in the capital.

Prior to Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, head coach Potter confirmed the duo would integrate with the rest of the squad post London derby, stating: “(They) are making progress and joining the warm-up. They’ll be more integrated next week.”

And the pair have been spotted in training on Monday at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground, with the duo involved in part of the session it was revealed.

The 5th Stand App wrote: “N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic were both involved for part of the session as they continue their recovery from injury.”

Mateo Kovacic will be hoping to be available to face Leeds United this weekend after missing the Spurs defeat due to illness.

Meanwhile, Thiago Silva’s condition remains unclear after he was forced off in the first half on Sunday due to injury.

Potter said post-match: “I’m not sure (on his condition). Hopefully it’s not too serious but I haven’t spoken to the doctor enough to have a diagnosis for you.”

The Times report Chelsea fear he will be sidelined for at least a week which would see him miss games against both Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund.

Those in Sunday’s starting XI took part in a recovery on Monday, while the substitutes and those not in the squad carried out some extra work on the grass.

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