Chelsea training video reveals £45m boost ahead of Preston North End FA Cup game

Chelsea stars have returned to Cobham for training ahead of their game against Preston North End in the FA Cup this weekend.

Unlike Christmas, where they were forced to train after the defeat to Wolves, manager Mauricio Pochettino signed off a two-day holiday for his players who enjoyed the New Year with their families before returning to their Surrey training base on Tuesday.

Among players who returned to first-team training was former Leicester City left-back and now assistant club captain Ben Chilwell who was signed from the Foxes for £45m in 2020.

The 26-year-old hasn't played for the club after limping off in the 1-0 win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup last October. In his absence, Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill have slotted in at left back before the former picked up an ankle injury. Chilwell's return to fitness will provide an extra boost to Pochettino who will be hoping to avoid any upset when they host Championship side Preston this weekend.

At the time of his injury, Chilwell admitted he was frustrated by the constant setbacks but vowed to work hard and get back as soon as he could. He wrote on his Instagram page: "Can’t catch a break. Believe me, I am more frustrated than you guys. All I can do now is help the team as best as I can from the sidelines, until I can get back to giving everything for the club on the pitch again.

“Ups and downs but that’s life. I just focused on getting this club back where it deserves to be. Thank you as always for the love, Chels fans.”

Chelsea have struggled in the league this season, winning only eight of their 20 games, but they have reached the semi-final of the Carabao Cup and will secure a spot at Wembley if they can get past Middlesbrough in the next round. They will hope to kickstart their FA Cup journey with an emphatic win at Stamford Bridge.