Reece James is hoping to return to the Chelsea fold for their next league game following the Club World Cup against Crystal Palace.
England star James has been out with a hamstring injury since the end of December, missing Chelsea's last nine games, but is on the verge of handing Thomas Tuchel a major boost and could be back in contention for the trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday week.
Chelsea have been patient regarding James's recovery and the process has also been slowed by the defender suffering a bout of flu.