Reece James has looked “brilliant” since returning to training and could even start for Chelsea in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, according to Thomas Tuchel.
The England international has been out with a hamstring injury since the end of December but is now in line for a return to action.
Speaking at a press conference, Blues boss Tuchel said he will make a late decision on whether James starts against the Reds.
“He looked brilliant in the last two training sessions,” Tuchel said.
“Let’s wait another session and then let’s see if I’m crazy enough to just put him on the pitch or if the reasonable side of me wins in the end and we go step by step.
“It would be a huge step (to start with James), but honestly yesterday and today he looked so strong, so confident and so involved in training that you are tempted to do it.
“Let’s see. We have a little bit of time. The most important thing is that he’s back and that he feels confident.
“There are still two days to go and then we will take the decision.”
Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic, who went off during the Champions League win against Lille after picking up knocks, have both been passed it.
Tuchel confirmed: “We had training today with everybody out on the pitch except for Ben Chilwell, which is brilliant news.
“Both (Ziyech and Kovacic) are both OK. Everybody joined team training from the first to the last minute.
“We at the moment have had no (negative) reactions – but positive reactions. I hope it stays like this.
“We have another training session tomorrow and (hope) to have everybody ready for Sunday.”