Chelsea handed big new injury boost ahead of Barcelona and Arsenal as star returns to training

Chelsea have received a boost following Pedro Neto’s return to training.

Neto was initially selected for international duty this month, but withdrew from the Portugal squad due to a groin problem which forced him to withdraw during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Wolves on November 8.

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But Neto’s chances of playing at Burnley on Saturday now look high after he was pictured training at Cobham on Monday afternoon.

The Chelsea winger has started all 11 of their Premier League matches this season and scored his third goal in the game against Wolves.

His return to training is big news given Chelsea have crucial matches against Barcelona and Arsenal over the next fortnight.

The Blues face Barcelona in the Champions League next Tuesday and then take on Premier League leaders Arsenal in a huge showdown at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.

Neto has scored five goals for Chelsea this season, all in the Premier League.

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The only match Neto has missed this season was this month’s 2-2 draw against Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Champions League. Neto missed the match and was not part of the squad due to what head coach Enzo Maresca described as a “small muscle injury”.

On his return against Wolves, he lasted 77 minutes before asking to be substituted due to a groin problem.