Romeo Lavia has taken a step forward in his comeback bid though is still expected to remain sidelined until late November at the earliest.
Midfielder Lavia has been out with an ankle injury which he suffered in training last month.
Lavia was edging closer to being ready to make his Chelsea debut following his £58m summer move from Southampton at the time but has seen that delayed due to the injury blow in which he suffered some ligament damage.
Lavia was able to remove the protective boot he has been wearing to support his right ankle last week and begin doing some rehab work in the pool in positive developments as he attempts to regain full fitness.