Cole Palmer has not trained with teammates since he picked up his muscle problem before the international break, causing Chelsea to sweat on the availability of their playmaker for next week's showdown with Arch Rivals Tottenham.
The injury forced Palmer to miss the last Premier League loss of his team in Arsenal almost two weeks ago, because he was then unable to participate with Thomas Tuchel's and England for the world cup qualifications with Albania and Latvia.
Bluesbaas Enzo Maresca continued to work at Cobham with those who did not leave for international duty, including Nicolas Jackson, the striker who is expected to return to Tottenham after two months on the sidelines.
Figures have also been encouraged by the called up of young people who are called from the Academy to train with the first team, but Mail Sport has learned that Palmer has not yet participated in such sessions.
It is unclear when he can do this, although Chelsea, given his interest as their most important maker of opportunities, would be willing to leave it as late as possible before he makes a final call about his recording for traces.
There was initially optimism around the Palmer issue, even when he was sent for a second scan at the start of the international break.
It was a demanding season for the 22-year-old Englishman, who had started any other Premier League match for Chelsea before their journey to Arsenal.
Although he was out of shape, his absence was still an important blow to that 1-0 defeat.
Chelsea is looking for a strong run-in to confirm a return to the Champions League. They are currently fourth in the table and spurs earlier in the season with 4-3 away from home in a comeback in which Palmer scored twice, including an ice cream Pannenka penalty.
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