Antonio Rudiger has played 90 minutes for Chelsea’s development squad in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
The German defender is in the final stages of his recovery from a serious knee injury he suffered at the end of April. It is not Toni’s first game for the U23s: on 19 August, Rudiger took part in a 3-0 victory over Liverpool.
The 26-year-old is expected to be ready to play for the senior side after the international break which starts after this weekend.
Earlier, the centre-back has expressed his gratitude to Andy Myers’ side for letting him ease back into the game:
“I have to test myself before I play in the Premier League. It was good to be back on the pitch because in the game there is no holding back and that is what I need to get better and get fit.
I was very pleased and thankful to the development team for having me there.
“I hadn’t played any game for three months so I had the full motivation and also a desire to play with respect for the young guys.
As a senior player, you have to lead by example and with your actions, not just by talking.”