Andre Villas-Boas paid tribute to Younes Kaboul and Sandro after their recovery from long-term injury.

Central defender Younes has played a full part in pre-season training after being sidelined for the best part of a year with a knee injury and then a muscle problem on his return at the end of last season.

Midfielder Sandro is in his final stage of recovery after a sustaining a serious knee injury against QPR in January and will join the squad again in training next week. He will then travel out with the squad for the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.

“It’s a very good start to pre-season for both players,” reported Andre on Friday.

“It’s great for Younes after a year out to come back to training and have double sessions with no problems.

“Sandro hit six months last week (he was injured on January 12) and we are on plan, he’s made an excellent recovery and we’re very happy with him.

“One more week and he’ll join the group and he will also join us for full training in Hong Kong.”

You can purchase our all-new Under Armour training wear by FOLLOWING THIS LINK...