Chelsea star Christian Pulisic is reportedly on course to return against Newcastle next weekend.
Pulisic has missed the Blues’ last three matches, having suffered a hamstring injury in the warm-up for the win at Burnley.
He linked up with the United States squad and was hoping to play some part of the international match against Wales.
Instead Pulisic withdrew from the squad and returned to Chelsea for treatment on the problem.
However, the Express reports that Pulisic could be given the green light to return against the Magpies at St James’ Park.
Blues boss Frank Lampard initially seemed upbeat about Pulisic’s chances of a swift return, declaring the problem was “very minor” and that he should be back soon.
However, speaking at a press conference last week, Lampard ruled him out of the following day’s game against Sheffield United – and revealed Pulisic had not even been able to train.
Lampard explained that his initial update was after Pulisic had returned to light training, but it later became clear that the player “wasn’t comfortable” and has not been able to join in with the rest of the squad.
“He’s not fit to play. He’s still suffering with his hamstring,” Lampard said.
“He’s not (training) at the moment. He trained at a low level in midweek when I made those quotes (about the injury being minor).
“He wasn’t comfortable, so we have to keep looking for the right solution.”