Kai Havertz is set to hand Chelsea and Frank Lampard a major fitness boost ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
The big-money summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen was set to feature in the UEFA Champions League encounter with Rennes at the start of the month but was left out of the matchday squad completely.
This is because he tested positive for COVID-19.
Havertz did not train with the Chelsea squad prior to the Rennes clash, with head coach Frank Lampard confirming ahead of kick-off at Stamford Bridge that the midfielder was undergoing a period of self-isolation
"Yeah, it’s significant because he’s tested positive for Covid in the testing going into this game," Lampard told reporters. "He’s come away from the squad, he’s in isolation as the doctor’s orders are.
"So we move on, and we wish him well at home."
After sitting out the 3-0 win over the Ligue 1 side, Havertz also missed the Blues' 4-1 win over Sheffield United and, as expected, wasn't selected for international duty for Germany.
But the midfielder's return is imminent.
As per the coronavirus protocol, Havertz was required to self-isolate for at least 10 days and that period has already been completed.
Therefore, as long as he doesn't test positive again, he can resume training with his Chelsea teammates this week and will be in contention for the game at St James' Park.
Having Havertz available is a boost for Lampard, although it could provide him with a selection headache.
The Blues have looked a lot more solid in a 4-3-3 system of late, but the German playmaker could return in a central midfield role alongside N'Golo Kante and Mason Mount.
Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell is also set to be available for the game against the Magpies.
The left-back emerged as a doubt for the trip after being substituted in the first-half of England's UEFA Nations League loss at the hands of Belgium, but Sky Sports have reported that he has returned from training.
If that's the case, Lampard could very well have a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the Newcastle game, but the likes of Christian Pulisic and Thiago Silva face late tests.
