Chelsea hopeful of earlier than expected return for Rüdiger from injury — report

Antonio Rüdiger returned to training last week and Chelsea are hoping that he will be ready for match action a little earlier than initial expected. His return from meniscus surgery, the latest in an already long line of knee injuries, was tentatively penciled in for mid-September, after the season’s first international break, but Chelsea are reportedly hopeful he can be ready before then.

The Mail frame this possibility as Chelsea “bringing forward” Rüdiger’s return, but as we’ve seen with N’Golo Kanté, Frank Lampard is not in the business of rushing players back from injury — and if there’s a player who’s more sorely needed than Rüdiger, it’s Kanté.

After Sunday’s rather painful 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford, Lampard spoke of his hopes of getting a much needed boost from Chelsea’s injury quintet of players. Kanté did manage 20 minutes off the bench against Manchester United, Willian has traveled with the team for the Super Cup, and Rüdiger’s apparently ahead of schedule — all good news as we look to put the shock of the first game behind us (Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James should be back within the month, too, at last check).

Here’s to being fitter, happier, more productive!