Chelsea boost as injured quartet named in 25-man squad for Abu Dhabi trip

Injured quartet N'Golo Kante, Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Wesley Fofana have been named in the 25-man travelling squad for the warm weather training camp.

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French duo Kante and Fofana were ruled out of the World Cup in Qatar after suffering hamstring and knee knocks.

And English pair James and Chillwell were left out of Gareth Southgate's squad after picking up knee and hamstring injuries.

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But in a positive for the Blues, they will be continuing their rehabilitation in the Middle East.

A Chelsea statement confirmed their selection, where they will be preparing for their friendly clash against Aston Villa on December 11.

Though it remains to be seen whether Kante, Chilwell, James and Fofana will play any part in the game.

Chelsea arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, with the players taking part in a light session which involved 'stretching' and 'a series of games designed to keep the spirits high'.

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Other high-profile players that made the trip to the United Arab Emirates include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marc Cucurella and Jorginho.

Several academy prospects will also be looking to make an impression, with Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson, Cesare Casadei and Charlie Webster included.

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Many of Graham Potter's senior side are still in Qatar on international duty.

Though Senegal stars Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly will play no further role at the World Cup after England beat the African nation 3-0.

And the global tournament is also over for USA's Christian Pulisic and Germany's Kai Havertz.

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The four players have been allowed time to rest and recover on holiday before they gear up for the busy second half of the season.

Chelsea's first match back in the Premier League is on December 27, where they welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge.