Colwill returns for Chelsea after work behind the scenes

Levi Colwill returned to training one month ago [Getty Images] Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is set to make his return in a behind-closed-doors friendly for the club's Under-21 side on Friday. The Under-21s are preparing for the play-offs, having finished top of Premier League 2. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old is unlikely play in Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United, but he has spent several weeks training fully with the first team as he steps up his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered in August.

Those close to Colwill say the rehabilitation process has been both mentally and physically demanding, marking the first major injury of his career. There have, however, been positives during his time away from competitive action. Colwill has worked closely with a restructured medical department and is understood to have enjoyed the new environment under head of performance Bryce Kavanagh, who was involved in a public disagreement with head coach Enzo Maresca in December.

The England international has also focused on his off-field development during his recovery. Colwill has spoken privately about wanting to improve his mentality and has spent time reading self-improvement books, including Atomic Habits by James Clear and Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover, the latter of which he took with him to the Club World Cup success last summer. He has since gone on to invest in an online children's reading platform, StoryZoo, describing it as a long-term project .

Head coach Liam Rosenior believes Colwill is likely to return to action before the end of the season, although he is expected to be eased back with limited minutes initially. Chelsea remain in contention for Champions League qualification through the Premier League, are still competing in the FA Cup and, while considered unlikely, there is also the possibility of Colwill being involved in England's squad for the World Cup finals this summer.