Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has downplayed Ben Chilwell's chances of returning from injury this season.
The left-back has been out since November after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Juventus in a Champions League group stage match.
The Chelsea medical staff initially gave Chilwell time to see if the injury would heal naturally, but he had surgery on his knee the following month and was ruled out indefinitely.
The England international has returned to the grass and has been photographed doing individual drills at the club's Cobham training ground, but his manager does not expect him to be available again this season.
Tuchel revealed to the media ahead of Chelsea's Premier League match against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night that the defender will resume group training, but not with the first team.
"I don't think so," Tuchel said when asked if Chilwell would be able to return before the end of the season.
"Ben will now enter a transition period in which he will be able to join the academy team for tactical training over the next few weeks." We'll give him his due and not try to rush Chilly."
"This will be his next step," the German coach continued, "and hopefully he will be able to join first-team training before the end of the season, but there will be no guarantees."
Mateo Kovacic will also be missing for Chelsea's visit to Arsenal. The Croatian limped off in the first half of Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final win over Crystal Palace on Sunday after twisting his ankle.
Tuchel confirmed, "Kova is out for tomorrow's game." "He has an ankle ligament injury and is in some pain. "He is looking at two weeks out and hopefully not much longer than that, but two weeks can be a long time for us in terms of games."
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