Arjen Robben has spent more time in the swimming pool than on the football pitch lately, but the Dutch winger hopes to soon make a big splash for Chelsea in the Barclays Premiership.

The £12million summer signing from PSV Eindhoven has yet to make his competitive debut for the Blues after fracturing a bone in his foot during pre-season.

Robben suffered the injury when he was brought down by former Leeds United midfielder Olivier Dacourt in a friendly match against Roma in the United States on July 29, an incident which led to an angry reaction from Mateja Kezman and earned the Chelsea striker a red card.

It has been a frustrating period for Robben, who has also had to miss out on Holland’s opening World Cup qualifiers this weekend.

The Dutchman, though, hopes to be back in contention for a place in first-team squad shortly after the international break.

“It’s getting better each day and I still have to be patient a little bit. I start running now, so I hope I’ll be back soon,” Robben told Chelsea TV.

“I have worked quite hard in the gym, in the swimming pool and all kind of stuff.

“I feel fit, but of course football is always different so I have to get used to play again, and run again and then I think that can be done very quickly.

“I think it’s going to take me about two weeks and then I hope I will be there again.

“I hope I’ll stay fit now and just play football - and don’t swim anymore.”

Robben has been an interested spectator asChelsea started the new Barclays Premiership campaign with maximum points from their opening four matches, which began with a hard-earned win over Manchester United.

“I think the first one was just a big fight and it was not good football, but the result was the most important thing and we won so that was very important,” said the Holland international.

“I think the last home game [against Southampton], we played well. We had initiative and we had the game under control.

“I think the more games we play, we’ll start to play better and better. I hope when I’m fit that we can do that also.”

With Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff also short of match fitness after his shoulder problem, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could have done with some more options on the flanks.

The club, though, will not rush the Dutchman back into action before he is ready.

“The only thing for me is now to come back and show what can I do and I’m very confident that I can play for Chelsea and do some good,” said Robben.

“The most important thing for me is that I get back and then the next step is to show the team what can I do.

“I’m looking forward to join the squad again and then play at Stamford Bridge. I think that must be great.”