The 25-year-old, who underwent surgery on the same injury 12 months ago, has made just four appearances this season. The Chelsea captain has been out since suffering the injury in training last month.

After five consecutive wins in the Premier League, second-placed Chelsea, trailing leaders Liverpool by two points, visit Everton on Sunday following the Merseyside club's takeover by the Friedkin Group.

"He will be back but that doesn’t mean that he's going to be with us on Sunday or next Sunday," Maresca told reporters on Friday.

"The plan is part of the session to be with him and from there to try to build the right condition for him and finally he can be back with us."

Maresca confirmed that injured midfielder Romeo Lavia will "struggle to play on Sunday" and defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile remain sidelined with long-term injuries.

--Reuters--