Tauriainen joined the Chelsea Academy in the summer of 2020, initially appearing in the Under-18s squad as a deep-lying midfielder. He quickly became a regular starter and was influential in our 2021/22 Under-18 Premier League Cup victory under former head coach Ed Brand.

After impressing as he transitioned into the Under-21s, the 20-year-old earned his first senior involvement when he was named on the bench for February's Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium against Liverpool.

Although Tauriainen didn’t get playing time on that occasion, he didn’t have to wait long to make his debut, appearing in an FA Cup fifth-round win over Leeds United three days later.

Things continued to progress and he made his Premier League bow against Tottenham Hotspur, helping Chelsea to a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in May.

However, during the Academy's pre-season tour in July, the former Finland Under-19s international sustained an ACL injury in a friendly match against League Two side Mansfield Town. As a result, that progress has been put on hold, while he is expected to be sidelined for at least nine months.

Since then, Tauriainen has been following his recovery plan, aiming to rebuild muscle after surgery so he can get back on the pitch. We sat down with him in the treatment room at Cobham to gain insight into his recovery.

Jimi, could you tell us a bit about your injury and how it’s impacted your season?

'We were playing in a pre-season friendly against Mansfield Town. A player went in to tackle me and I just felt something different in my knee. I didn’t know what it was at first, but I knew it didn’t feel right. It didn’t take long to get the results from the scan and I had torn my ACL.

'Finding out the results was a tough moment. The season hadn’t even begun and I felt disappointed. But now, after having time to reflect, I realise it’s football and it’s never a smooth journey. I just need to remember that it’s not forever. I can get through it and everything will be okay, as this is my journey.'

What kind of rehab and recovery treatments are you focusing on to get back on the pitch as soon as possible?

'At the moment, the main focus is to rebuild the muscle around the injury. I still follow the team’s timetable and come in every day to receive treatment and do exercises in the gym. I have a routine designed by the physios to ensure I’m doing everything I can to reach the moment when I’m back out on the pitch.

'I’m building strength in the gym, doing exercises like running on the anti-gravity treadmill which takes the weight off my knee and undergoing treatment in the pool. There’s a whole range of exercises I’m doing. It’s a hard balance as you want to do everything you can to get better, but you need to remember not to push yourself too much. It's hard, but I think I have managed well.'

This must be a challenging time for you, how have you been coping mentally and have you found ways to stay positive through it all?

'I’m going to be honest, it’s been a difficult period for me, as it would be for any footballer going through an injury. I find it can be hard to stay motivated, which I believe is crucial during this time. Of course, as a footballer, all you want to do is play - and I can’t.

'But being surrounded by friends, family and supportive people here, whether it’s staff or team-mates going through similar experiences, has been crucial.'

What has the support around you been like from everyone here at Cobham?

'Support is everything when facing these tough times. Looking at the bigger picture, I’d say I’m happy and content with the situation right now, and that’s because of the support I’ve received. Everyone is doing their best to help me get back to what I love, playing football.'

Are you already looking ahead to the future and imagining yourself back on the pitch?

'I’m looking forward to returning to the pitch. I’m always thinking about that day and it excites me. I’m looking forward to playing again with the Under-21s and hopefully getting another chance with the men’s team, as I did last season.

'For now, though, I’m focused on the present and taking each day as it comes. My main goal is to get my body back in good shape, as there’s still a long journey ahead. I’m hoping for a continued smooth journey and recovery.'

Finally, what’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this recovery period that you didn’t expect?

'Since the injury it’s been a tough time, but one thing I’ve learned is to be strong and keep fighting through it. I feel like I’ve become stronger and grown as a character through this experience. I’m just looking forward to getting back.'