Graham Potter has had to contend with a number of injury issues since being appointed Chelsea head coach at the beginning of September.

Ahead of Thursday’s Premier League game against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, the Blues have been handed an injury boost.

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has returned to training after overcoming the thigh issue sustained against Newcastle United in November, according to Football London.

Loftus-Cheek was forced off inside the opening five minutes of the 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park on November 12 and undertook the majority of his recovery work during the World Cup break.

Loftus-Cheek featured regularly in midfield following Potter’s arrival but is unlikely to be rushed back after seven weeks on the sideline.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Kai Havertz is Chelsea’s best option in attack at the moment.

Hasselbaink said: “There has been a lot of chopping and changing. Sterling has played, Broja has played there. Havertz has played there. Aubamayeng hasn’t worked really.

“Havertz has a very good first 60 minutes against Bournemouth. He needs to play there and stay there.

“We have seen him in the past that he has played on the left, on the right, as a number 10.

“At the moment we need him as a striker. I don’t think it is his favourite position but I think he is the best Chelsea have at this moment in time.

“They need to stay will him playing there. A lot of times he drops into the midfield, because he wants to touch the ball more. He will help Chelsea more if he stays up there.

“When he scores his goal against Bournemouth it was a time he stayed in the box. There he becomes dangerous. He has the calmness to put goals away.”