Chelsea have been handed a boost after Ruben Loftus-Cheek made an appearance on the training pitch on Tuesday.

After sustaining a serious Achilles injury in May, Loftus-Cheek required surgery on the issue, with it quickly being predicted that the midfielder would be sidelined for at least six months.

Manager Frank Lampard has said that the England international has suffered a number of setbacks in his recovery, suggesting that there is no possibility of a return in 2020.

While that remains the case, the academy graduate has been allowed to go through some light drills on the training pitch.

Images have emerged on social media of the playmaker using the ball on a smaller pitch in a bid to strengthen the injured area.