Ruben Loftus-Cheek will have to wait to kick-start his season at Chelsea after picking up a foot injury while away with England.
According to the Sun, the midfield powerhouse needed a scan after England's 1-0 friendly win over Switzerland on Tuesday.
It is now expected that the 22-year-old will be unavailable for the Blues for at least the next two weeks.
The international break appeared to come at a good time for Loftus-Cheek having started the season out of favour under new boss Maurizio Sarri.
Opting to fight for his place at Chelsea, rather than commit to another spell out on loan, Loftus-Cheek has struggled for opportunities behind Jorginho, N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.
The England midfielder has made just two substitute appearances for the Blues so far this season.
Having gained valuable experience last season at Crystal Palace, helping him win a spot in England's 23-man World Cup squad, Palace boss Roy Hodgson admits he would be keen on a reunion if the chance presented itself.
'I have no idea if he is going to be available in January, so what can I look at?' Hodgson told reporters.
'If the question was should Ruben Loftus-Cheek be made available in January, would Crystal Palace be interested in loaning him again?" then the answer is "yes".'