Chelsea player surprises everyone with return to training – and it’s not Reece James

Chelsea were back for a full day of training today, and all the headlines from the session were stolen by one man.

James Reece trained properly with the first team for the first time since preseason, and there were smiles throughout as he joined the rag tag group of youngsters and non-internationals who were the attend training.

We also had someone in the picture really I didn’t expect to see – Noni Madueke.

We actually had to double check to make sure it was the winger. This time last night he was coming on as assistant manager for England, but 12 or so hours later he was out training with his club.

That’s a lot of commitment – we like to see that. Enzo Maresca will be delighted, and it is perhaps another sign of the impressive work rate and commitment Madueke is showing to continue developing his game.

It is an advantage for Maresca to have Madueke back early this week, who will obviously be keen to start his special preparations for the big game against Liverpool this weekend, but who will not many players need it to start getting too. specific.

If Madueke was back today, we can expect his England teammate Levi Colwill (who didn’t play a minute last night) to return tomorrow, hopefully along with a couple of other players based in Europe who have fulfilled their two international commitments.

He will most likely want Renato Veiga back, as the left-back is set to face Mo Salah this weekend, filling in for the suspended Marc Cucurella. With Wesley Fofana also suspended, getting the back 4 move back is a priority.