Rudiger has first session with first-team squad

The possession session was a useful opportunity for the defender to begin to return to the senior group, after he had resumed solo work with the football in recent weeks.

Rudiger will continue on an individual program of fitness and rehabilitiation, and will train with the Primavera before being evaluated for a full return to first team activities.

Speaking in September, coach Luciano Spalletti said: "Rudiger will start building up his fitness by doing some non-impact work with the Primavera side in the coming weeks, then after a few proper training sessions he’ll be back with us.”