Thiago Silva returned to training on Tuesday, raising hopes that the Chelsea defender could be fit to return against Liverpool at Anfield.
Silva has been out of action since going off with a thigh injury during the first half of Chelsea’s 1-0 win over London rivals Tottenham.
Chelsea hoped he would return before now but the veteran has taken a month to recover from the problem.
However, manager Thomas Tuchel said on Friday he believed Silva would resume training this week – and he has now done so.
Tuchel is scheduled to speak at a press conference on Wednesday to discuss the following evening’s trip to face Liverpool.
The German is expected to give an update on Silva’s fitness, but it looks as though he might well be fit for the game against the champions.
That would be a huge boost for the Blues, who are battling with Liverpool to secure a top-four finish.
Callum Hudson-Odoi also took part in training on Tuesday and it remains to be seen whether he will be involved at Anfield.
The winger was seen holding an ice pack to his leg after being substituted by Tuchel at half-time against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but the manager suggested the withdrawal was mainly for tactical reasons.