Roy Hodgson is finally welcoming back a number of his Crystal Palace players after started the season so short of players at the back.
Gary Cahill and James Tomkins have both returned to Palace training this week ahead of their visit to Chelsea this weekend, while Patrick van Aanholt has also started working following his shoulder injury.
"They’re gradually coming back but obviously they’ve been out for a long time so they’re not really ready to go straight back into the team," Hodgson said.
"This week we’ve seen the re-emergence of Gary Cahill, James Tomkins and Patrick van Aanholt. We’re limiting the contact work as far as he [Van Aanholt] is concerned as it’s a shoulder injury but it’s good to see those guys back in training."
The Eagles boss has turned to midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate to fill in at the back, with the former West Ham man excelling in the role which he could well retain despite the return of others around him.
"We're very happy with Cheikhou's role at centre-back," said Hodgson. "He is very comfortable there and is giving us a nice problem to have in that position in terms of competition."
Crystal Palace predicted XI to face Chelsea (4-4-2): Guaita; Ward, Kouyate, Cahill, Mitchell; Townsend, McCarthy, McArthur, Eze; Zaha, Ayew
