Chelsea return to training ahead of clash against bottom club Aston Villa

Chelsea's Spain contingent returned to training on Wednesday ahead of Saturday's trip to bottom club Aston Villa.

Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta were back at the Blues' Cobham training ground after appearing for Spain in the draws against Italy and Romania during the international break.

Brazil-born Spain international Diego Costa, who returned to his homeland after being left out of Vicente del Bosque's squad, was also back in Blue as Guus Hiddink's side prepare for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off at Villa Park.

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas returned to training on Wednesday following the international break

Cesar Azpilicueta (centre) and Fabregas appeared twice for Spain while Diego Costa (left) returned to Brazil, the country of his birth, after being left out of Vicente del Bosque's squad

With the rest of Chelsea's international star back in training on Friday, the west London club will be huge favourites to take all three points against Villa. The Midlands club, who sacked Remi Garde this week, are marooned to the bottom of the table and are 12 points from safety.

After a dismal start to the season, Chelsea remain unbeaten in the Premier League since Hiddink took charge following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho.

With just 41 points from 30 games, the defending Premier League champions are ten points off the top four and a staggering 25 points behind surprise leaders Leicester heading into April.

Having been knocked out of the Champions League and FA Cup by Paris Saint-Germain and Everton respectively, Chelsea will be hoping for a strong finish to what has been a hugely disappointing campaign.