Chelsea expect to have Cole Palmer fit and available for their huge games against Barcelona and Arsenal next week.
Palmer’s season has been derailed by a persistent groin problem which has limited him to just three Premier League appearances this term.
The England international was in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI on the opening day of the season against Crystal Palace, returning off the bench with a goal against Brentford in September.
He started the following week at Old Trafford against Manchester United but was forced off after just 21 minutes.
Chelsea had previously been assessing Palmer’s injury ‘game by game’ but made the decision to pull him out of the team in October to allow him to recover properly with surgery not seriously considered.
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In his absence, the Blues have won six of their 11 league matches this term, currently sat in third place, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea return to action away to Burnley on Saturday and while that game will come too soon for Palmer, they hope to have their no10 back next week.
The Daily Telegraph report next week’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona could mark his return to action.
If he does not make that game, the club hope he will be available for the visit of Arsenal five days later.
Maresca will be expected to provide an update on Palmer’s progress when he speaks to the media on Friday.
The former Manchester City star has returned to light training at Cobham where he will continue to step up his workload.
Palmer’s fitness problems have also limited his opportunities for England, playing just once for the Threw Lions in a year.
Thomas Tuchel has already warned he will have to make some difficult decisions ahead of next summer’s World Cup, particularly in attacking areas where he is blessed with a number of options at no10.