Chelsea center back Antonio Rudiger has managed only one appearance so far this season, lasting just the first-half in Chelsea’s 5-2 win over Wolves that kick-started the team’s upturn in form over the past month. But those 45 minutes, as well as a couple rehab starts for the U23 side before then remain Rudiger’s only bits of action, as he’s continued to deal with a couple different injuries.
Fortunately, he now looks on his way back to full fitness once again, posting an Instagram story this morning about a completed training session at Cobham, while the rest of the team are either away on international duty or on brief vacations in various exotic destinations.
Initially out because of offseason knee surgery and the association rehabilitation, Rudiger picked up a groin injury in his aforementioned lone appearance for the club this season. Earlier reports put his return for after the current, October international break, and he looks on track to do so, which is certainly great news.
As good as Chelsea’s results have been recently, the defense remains the biggest area of concern, with just one clean sheet kept all season. Rudiger’s return should solidify it to some extent, especially if Fikayo Tomori continues to develop and Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen can continue to provide steady contributions as well.