Maurizio Sarri says it could take up to three months for Chelsea to reach top form with his playing style.
The Blues' pre-season preparations have been hindered by the late return of Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard, Michy Batshuayi, N’Golo Kante and Olivier Giroud to training following the World Cup.
Batshuayi was the only recent returnee who did not feature in their 0-0 draw with Lyon in the International Champions Cup on Tuesday, and Sarri feels it is better late than never with their Premier League campaign starting at Huddersfield on Saturday.
"I'm very happy I can work with all my players for the first time [on Wednesday]," said Sarri after Chelsea's 5-4 penalty shootout victory.