Cole Palmer has finally returned to Chelsea training after being out for the entire international break with an injury. The 22-year-old had initially been called up for the England squad by Thomas Tuchel.

Palmer withdrew after missing Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal almost two weeks ago. He was left out with a muscle injury. football.london

Ahead of the Premier League's return next Thursday, Palmer is now back on the grass under Enzo Maresca. Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in a crucial match in their bid to finish in the top four/five.

Noni Madueke, who hasn't played since suffering an injury in the Valentine's Day defeat to Brighton, has also returned. Nicolas Jackson made his own recovery earlier in the week and hasn't featured since February 3.

For Maresca, he will be hoping that all three are fit and ready to go against Spurs. Chelsea have a tough end-of-season run and know that both Newcastle United and Manchester City will be breathing down their necks.

Champions League qualification is up for grabs and Chelsea have continued to stutter in recent months. Although they managed four wins in a row in all competitions prior to defeat at Arsenal, they came against lower quality opposition and left more questions than answers.

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Palmer himself has been going through a lean patch. He is without a goal since the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in mid-January. Usually the creative hub for Chelsea, Palmer has also failed to assist since December 12.

Although the latter is more a reflection of the wider team struggles in front of goal - owing to Jackson's profligacy and then lack of natural senior striker being available for the past six weeks - Palmer's form has dipped. Earlier this month he missed his first penalty since joining as well.

Speaking about Palmer before the break, Maresca said: "His injury was from yesterday’s session, it’s a muscular problem. He needs a scan, and it is planned for tomorrow morning.

"I hope he can be back for our next game, but we need to wait for a scan. We don’t wish players injury, but probably in Cole’s case in this moment it will give him some rest, physically and mentally, it could be good."

Chelsea currently sit fourth in the league but continue to trend downwards with performances. Aston Villa (ninth) are only four points behind, albeit with a far inferior goal difference.

Fulham and Brighton are both operating at a higher level right now, whilst Newcastle have also been buoyed by lifting the Carabao Cup. Chelsea will have to balance their European commitments too, with a Conference League quarter-final double-header against Legia Warsaw on the horizon.

Chelsea are still without Marc Guiu, who was injury shortly after Nicolas Jackson in February's narrow win over West Ham. Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are back and continue to work their way towards sharpness.