Hugs were abundant at Cobham today as Ben Chilwell celebrated his birthday and the players were treated to a Christmas feast following training.

Today, Chilly turns 27. On a breezy Surrey morning, he resumed his solo workout on the lawn. Prior to the players leaving, Mauricio Pochettino (above) and Mykhailo Mudryk both embraced him.

Today’s workouts were conducted in both the gym and on the grass, with an emphasis on recuperation for the players who started Tuesday’s match against Newcastle.

Not to mention our last-gasp goal scorer Mudryk, there were a number of noteworthy contributions from guys who came off the bench in that match. Here he is seen once more trying for goal.

The most notable addition on Tuesday was Christopher Nkunku, who made his delayed Chelsea debut for the final twenty-five minutes and scored his penalty with skill in the ensuing shootout.

But Pochettino has cautioned against putting too much stock in the Frenchman too soon.

‘Anyone can judge [a player] straight away, but the most important is in which form,’ he said.

‘The expectation is to see the best Nkunku, but the problem is we need time for him to perform in the way we expect.

‘It is one thing is to be available; another is to perform in the way we expect. That is why we are not going to put too much pressure on him. Day by day we will push him to arrive at his best as soon as possible.’

Armando Broja, another attacker, thinks the Blues’ campaign can get off to a strong start after Tuesday’s thrilling victory.

‘Games like these show our spirit in the team and we stuck together and dug deep and got the result at the end of the game, which is the most important thing,’ the Albanian stressed.

‘We have been playing some really good football. So hopefully we can keep going forward and this result will bring us more positive results.’

Pochettino anticipates that Romeo Lavia’s quick return will help. The midfield player was seen on the grass today as he continues to put in a lot of work to heal from his injury.

Following training, the players got to spend more time together away from the field of play for the customary Christmas lunch at Cobham. The emphasis now shifts to securing three points at Wolves, an early Christmas present.