There have been high hopes in the Blues academy for the young Belgian, but he has had a career dogged by serious fitness problems Chelsea are hopeful that Charly Musonda can return to train with the Under-23s development squad in the next week or two after he stepped up his recovery from injury, but his future remains unclear.
The 24-year-old has long been regarded as one of the most exciting talents to come off the Cobham talent production line, but a knee injury has threatened his career.
It is understood that Musonda is already doing solo ball work and hired his own personal fitness and conditioning coach ahead of a return to team training.
Ideally, Musonda hopes to prove his fitness ahead of a chance alongside fellow academy graduates in Frank Lampard’s first-team.
Upon his imminent return, Musonda is keen to make up for lost time having lost 15 months of his career to injury. He detailed his struggles in a heartfelt Instagram message back in October.
“It’s been four years since I played back to back professional games, three years since I last played for my club, two of those last four years, I’ve been injured with the post cruciate ligament of my knee,” he wrote. “Nothing but heartbreak and heartache.
“Doctors told me going through surgery after being out for so long would be the end, an impossible mountain to climb, were the exact words. This is my story and how I keep training and staying ready, despite the odds, one day I’ll be back.”
A January loan move is unlikely with the Belgium Under-21 international needing to prove his fitness first through potential match action in Premier League 2.
The Blues are also reluctant to send him away on a temporary deal with only 18 months left on his current, and they face pressure from UEFA’s new loan limits from next season.
There has been no conversation on Musonda’s future, but both the player and club could come to an agreement that a permanent move away is best for him.
Musonda has played just seven times for Chelsea and he has had loan spells at Celtic and Vitesse.
