Chelsea duo return to training ahead of FA Cup semi-final

Chelsea's preparations for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City have been boosted by the return to training of both midfielder Enzo Fernandez and centre-back Axel Disasi.

The pair both missed Chelsea's 6-0 win over Everton through various issues but were spotted in the Blues' training photos on Wednesday, with Disasi even sporting a new haircut in preparation for Saturday's trip to Wembley.

Fernandez's fitness has been a major topic of discussion on social media after Argentinian outlet Show Sport reported the 23-year-old is in need of surgery on an abdominal problem.

Talk of a potential abdominal issue for Fernandez has been rife for months now and the midfielder is now reported to be considering going under the knife after the FA Cup semi-final against City.

Robert Sanchez, Raheem Sterling, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu also missed the Everton game through injury and manager Mauricio Pochettino is unlikely to have many of that group available against Pep Guardiola's side.

Sterling has been battling a back injury but ruled himself out of training ahead of the Everton game through sickness, with Pochettino confirming further medical checks had to be done before the winger could return to the group.

Goalkeeper Sanchez has also been unwell but could be in line to return soon, but Pochettino does not expect too many returning faces before Saturday's game.

The boss may be reluctant to make too many changes after perhaps the best performance of his Chelsea tenure so far against Everton, although left-back Ben Chilwell will hope to start after impressing off the bench.

READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP