Frank Lampard says Hakim Ziyech could return against Manchester City on January 3, should the game go ahead.
City's most recent Premier League fixture against Everton was postponed on health grounds after a number of positive Covid tests in the Blues squad, and the Chelsea game could be in doubt if more cases emerge.
However, no new positive tests were returned when the City squad were tested on Wednesday, and first-team training has resumed. Speaking after Chelsea's recent draw with Aston Villa, Lampard insisted his side were keen to play against City if it was safe to do so.
Assuming no more positive cases are found at City, the fixture is expected to go ahead as planned, and Lampard has confirmed that Chelsea could have key man Ziyech back for the clash at Stamford Bridge.
Ziyech has been missing for the last six games while Chelsea's form has stuttered with just one win in that time, and Lampard said the Moroccan is close to reaching full fitness after just missing out on playing their two Christmas week fixtures.
Lampard said: "There’s a possibility he could be fit for Manchester City if it goes ahead on Sunday. He’s certainly progressing to the point where he’s very close to fitness."
Timo Werner is another player who will be available after any fears of the German striker having picked up an injury were dashed when he came off the bench against Aston Villa.
However, right-back Reece James has picked up a hamstring issue that kept him out of the Aston Villa game, where he was replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta.
"Reece James has got a small hamstring issue. I'm not saying that’s why Azpi played - I probably would’ve played him anyway," Lampard explained.
