Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku return dates as timely boost is confirmed ahead of Chelsea vs Newcastle

Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku are north pushing to be involved in this weekend's game against Newcastle after prolonged injuries that has seen them only to support the team from the stands.

The duo have been training at the club's Surrey training base and will look to join the first team training fully when the internationals are back from playing for their various countries later today.

The England contingent Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher are already back training as manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to continue their fine form when they travel to Newcastle this weekend.

Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia featured on Monday night pictured running together under the floodlights at Cobham.

They remained separate from the rest of the group, so perhaps the possibility of returning versus Newcastle remains unlikely but their progress over the course of this week is certainly to be watched.

Pochettino confirmed before the break that both were pushing for a return to the first team. He said: "'I had a conversation with Christopher and he said to me he wanted to be involved after the international break, against Newcastle.

"I asked yesterday and he wasn’t as sure, so I told him he is a liar! In a good way, though.

"I think he’s close and he is doing really well. We are so happy with him in the way that he is doing his recovery. He is very professional"

On Lavia, he said: "Romeo Lavia is also close, they were both training today on the pitch. We hope that next week they will be involved with the team and we will assess them day by day to see when they can start to play and help the team."

Chelsea produced a brilliant performance to hold Manchester City to a 4-4 draw and they fancy their chances against Eddie Howe's side.