Chelsea’s injury list has certainly shortened considerably during the enforced break in fixtures. Christian Pulisic has spoken about his recovery from a groin problem in recent days.

The American international has actually not played since New Year’s Day against Brighton due to the issue, but he says he has now fully recovered:

“It was really tough with this most recent one. I think that a lot of people didn’t realise how serious it was. It was a really freak injury in how it happened. It happened in training out of nothing really and it put me out a while.”

“But I’m feeling good now, I’ve been training a lot and I’m just really excited to get back out on the field.”

Tammy Abraham (ankle) and Mateo Kovacic (Achilles) are also believed to be back fully fit, which will be a big boost to manager Frank Lampard.

There are now just two players who are missing. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is not quite match fit following his lengthy spell out with an Achilles injury, and Lampard has confirmed he still needs more time before he can make his first team comeback.

Marco van Ginkel is the only other member of the first team squad on the sidelines, with the player having spent the best part of two years dealing with a serious knee injury.