Chelsea’s Malo Gusto and Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro returned to training on Thursday as the two clubs continue to prepare for Saturday’s London derby.

Gusto missed Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton last weekend due to illness. He was still absent when Chelsea resumed training earlier on Tuesday and Wednesday, but the France international was spotted in Thursday afternoon’s session.

The 23-year-old, however, is not expected to be in the starting line-up against Tottenham, especially with Pedro Neto’s outstanding form at right wing-back. 

Marco Palestra is also vying for minutes in this position, and alongside Gusto, the pair will hope to get their chances in the Carabao Cup fourth-round trip to Liverpool next Wednesday.

Unfortunately, Pep Chavarria, who also missed the Everton win, has not been seen in training. The Spaniard suffered a training injury last Friday, and information regarding his fitness situation will likely have to wait until Xabi Alonso’s press conference this Friday.

Pedro Porro missed Spurs’ last two games against Manchester United and Coventry City after sustaining an injury during their defeat to Aston Villa before the international break.

Last Sunday, head coach Roberto De Zerbi already hinted at the Spain international’s potential return for the derby.

“I think he's coming - maybe at Chelsea he can play,” De Zerbi said about Pedro Porro in his pre-Coventry press conference.

His return seems even more likely now that he took part in Tottenham’s training on Thursday afternoon. Omar Marmoush, who appeared to be in discomfort before being taken off during Monday’s win over Coventry, was also at training.

Andy Robertson and Tosin Adarabioyo also had to be substituted off due to apparent injuries, but De Zerbi already clarified that neither had a serious issue and both were expected to be available this Saturday.

Unfortunately for Spurs, they have a more extensive injury list than Chelsea, and they could be without up to six players this weekend, including Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall, and Savio.

The Blues have won all six of the last encounters with Spurs. Tottenham last beat Chelsea back in February 2023 in a home Premier League fixture. However, Spurs have not tasted a win at Stamford Bridge since April 2018, when they ended their 28-year wait for a league win at the stadium.

Chelsea also sit fourth in the Premier League table after back-to-back wins post-international break. They will hope to extend the winning run and continue their momentum under Alonso. 

Spurs, meanwhile, sit 16th with just one win after seven games.