“They are back”, Chelsea stars return ahead of Arsenal clash

Chelsea fans get a glimpse of hope to see two of their star players on Sunday when they travel to face Arsenal in London derby.

As confirmed by Chelsea on the 5th Stand app, Hakim Ziyech and N’Golo Kanté were both “full participants” of Thursday training, though their status for Sunday’s match against Arsenal at the Emirates remains in doubt. (Thomas Tuchel might shed a bit more light on that in Friday’s press conference.)

Both players missed last weekend’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, Ziyech with a dislocated shoulder (though one not requiring surgery) and Kanté with an ankle problem that he picked up just before the Super Cup but then exacerbated afterwards (and during it, undoubtedly). While Kanté’s absence was more precautionary, Ziyech looked in pretty serious pain when colliding awkwardly in said Super Cup against Villarreal and was expected to miss a “few weeks”. But it’s certainly good news to hear them both back in action already.

One player who apparently remains absent however is Christian Pulisic, who was a surprise absentee for Wednesday’s open training at Stamford Bridge. There’s no word on his situation as yet.