Christian Pulisic has formed part of Chelsea’s travelling party for a Champions League trip to Malmo, with the United States international closing in on a long-awaited return from injury.

The 23-year-old forward has not figured for the Blues since August 14, with a serious fitness setback suffered while away on international duty in September.

It has been a long road to recovery for Pulisic, with a niggling ankle problem proving difficult to shake, but he has been included in Thomas Tuchel’s preliminary plans ahead of a European outing in Sweden on Tuesday.

The German head coach confirmed Pulisic’s return in his pre-match press conference, telling reporters: “Christian Pulisic is back and back in the squad for tomorrow.”

Tuchel was, however, unable to give a positive update on Mason Mount, who missed the Blues’ 3-0 win against Newcastle at the weekend due to illness.

“Mason doesn’t feel better, it’s not Covid. He’s just ill,” he added.