Chelsea 1 - 0 Newcastle - FT

Frank Lampard has been handed a major boost after Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri returned to full training this week. Emerson sustained a thigh injury while on international duty with Italy back in September and returned for Chelsea’s clash with Liverpool, only to suffer another setback in the first half of the 2-1 defeat. The 25-year-old, who had arguably been Chelsea’s standout defender at the start of the season, lasted only 15 minutes at Stamford Bridge and has not featured since for the Blues.
Marcos Alonso has replaced Emerson at left-back, but it appears the Spaniard’s place in the side is about to come under threat. Emerson has been out with a thigh injury since last month (Picture: Getty) Emerson is edging closer to full match fitness and Chelsea have penciled in next week’s trip to Ajax as a possible return date for the Brazil-born full-back. On Wednesday evening, Emerson announced on Twitter that he had finally joined up with the rest of his team-mates in training ahead of their clash with Newcastle. ‘Good to be back training with the lads!’ Emerson told his followers.