Sam Hutchinson is a name many Chelsea fans will be closely familiar with, having followed his progress over the years, but in wider football circles he is relatively unknown. Despite this his travails deserve a wider audience.

In 13 days time it will be five years to the day he made his Chelsea debut, coming on as a teenager against Everton.

Right then, everything was rosy in his career, he had even been dubbed 'the new John Terry' by no less than Jose Mourinho.

In the 2007-08 season he was hoping for more first team showings, perhaps in the Carling Cup or FA Cup, but the chances never arrived. He picked up a knee injury early on which effectively ended his season.

An England under-19 international, the defender's bright future continued to be curtailed by his injured knee, but he would get that Carling Cup start in 2009 against QPR, which remains his one and only non-substitute appearance for the club.

He would be praised by Carlo Ancelotti as a 'player with a lot of talent' who he has 'a lot of trust in.'

Less than a year later he would retire at 21, after suffering one injury setback too many. It was described as an agonising decision with a first team place 'within touching distance.'

He started making plans for life after football, taking coaching qualifications and studying for a sports science degree, working closely coaching Chelsea's youngsters.

Late last year it was decided that his knee had recovered to a certain point that it was not out of the question to attempt to resume his career.

He signed a new contract with the club on December 1, and captained Chelsea's reserve team in his comeback game in late December against Aston Villa reserves.

His progress would continue, taking part in his own unique training schedule to manage and slowly build up to be able to cope with the demands of top level football.

On Sunday his return to first team action was complete. He came off the bench in the final few minutes against QPR, the club he made his one and only start against, in the club's 6-1 cruise.

His appearance was a superb gesture from manager Roberto di Matteo, and his presence on the bench perhaps accelerated by the club's defensive injuries.

What is next for him? Well his contract continues until summer 2013, so he has until then to show he can remain relatively injury free.

Next season will be the big challenge, but with a solid pre-season behind him, his chance of progress will only increase.

It is probably out of the question he features in next week's FA Cup Final, but who knows, a place on the bench is not entirely improbable.

He will hope, as he did in 2007-08, that appearances in the domestic cups are forthcoming, and his career really begins.

A loan move may transpire at some point, but it is perhaps advisable for now he stays close to Chelsea's medical set up who know his history and how to help him best.

Perhaps a late call up to Stuart Pearce's Olympic 18 would be just the kind of reward he deserves.

The threat of a knee injury can strike at any time, but he just has has to work hard, rest, and stay lucky, and hope he can have just half the on-pitch career his club captain John Terry has.

http://hereisthecity.com/2012/04/30/...lsea-comeback/