After Monday's dismal 2-0 defeat against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, Chelsea will be desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Enzo Maresca 's side now sit fourth in the league standings behind Liverpool, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. They are 10 points off top spot at this stage, having played a game more than the league leaders.

Chelsea's squad were back at Cobham on Thursday afternoon as they were put through their paces in a bid to bounce back on Saturday afternoon. They were also boosted by the return of some key players.

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Romeo Lavia returns

Among those to return from injury is midfielder Romeo Lavia. After an injury-ridden first season at the club, the 20-year-old has impressed in his 10 appearances under Maresca this term.

Lavia last featured in the Premier League win over Tottenham at the beginning of December, but has been sidelined with a hamstring problem ever since. In a significant boost for the player and the team, he was pictured in training with the squad on Thursday.

Maresca will likely confirm in his pre-match press conference on Friday how close Lavia is to a return, and whether he's ready to be included in a matchday squad. That being said, his involvement in training indicates he can't be too far away.

Reece James boost

In other news, right back Reece James has also made a return to training in recent days. The 25-year-old has also struggled for game time this season with just four appearances so far, having struggled with an ongoing hamstring problem.

After missing the start of the campaign, James made a brief return to action at the end of October and in the beginning of November. However, picked up a further problem that kept him sidelined until recently.

James was an unused substitute in the defeat to Ipswich Town earlier this week and shared his own injury update on social media confirming his return to training. His presence on Thursday afternoon only solidified the fact he is closing in on a return, and it comes at a crucial point in the season as Chelsea battle on in the fight for the Premier League title.

Cole Palmer praise

Injuries aside, one player that has been an ever-present this season is Cole Palmer. The 22-year-old has scored 12 and registered six assists in his 19 league appearances so far this season.

Ahead of Thursday's session at Cobham, it was confirmed Palmer is among the nominees for the Premier League Player of the Month award for December. Last month, he scored five goals and registered one assist for the team.

Palmer's good form will be crucial if they're to pick up a win on Saturday against Palace. Chelsea risk losing their grip on the top four if they fail to beat the Eagles at Selhurst Park.