Palestra (thigh) was pictured training fully with the group Wednesday as Chelsea stepped up preparations for Saturday's home match against Bournemouth, according to the club's official website.
Analysis:Palestra was expected to build match sharpness in Chelsea's behind-closed-doors friendly against Portsmouth over the weekend, though the lack of media coverage means his exact participation cannot be formally confirmed. The defender was nonetheless pictured in full team training on Wednesday, confirming his progress under Xabi Alonso. He should now be in contention to make his competitive debut for the club after fully recovering from a quad injury sustained in training prior to the season opener.
