Latest: Potential return date for Chelsea summer signing becoming clear after training update

Marco Palestra's potential return date for Chelsea's summer signing is becoming clearer following a recent training update. According to Kieran Gill in the Daily Mail's Chelsea Confidential, the wing-back has started doing individual drills on the grass with one of Xabi Alonso's coaches. The next step is for him to return to group training, after which he may be available for selection in the first team.

Palestra played a significant role in the preseason and is highly valued by Alonso. The injury that sidelined him occurred during training in the days leading up to the season opener against Fulham at the end of August. It has now been three weeks since he returned to individual training, and based on the current timeline, his return is expected within a month.

While the severity of his injury appears minor, it has taken longer than anticipated to resolve. Despite the setback, Palestra's preseason performances have shown what he can bring to the team. Xabi Alonso, in a self-critical moment, also expressed regret for Chelsea's performance during the first half of their last match.