Chelsea have been handed a huge boost ahead of their trip to winless Wolves after Frank Lampard confirmed that Antonio Rudiger is reading to return to first-team football.
The German centre-back has been out of action since suffering a knee injury in the Blues' 1-1 draw with Manchester United last season.
However, he has made a couple of appearances for Chelsea's U23s, including the 3-0 win over Liverpool last month, and recently returned to take part in training alongside Lampard's first-team squad.
It will no doubt be welcome news to Lampard, who was winless in his opening three games of his Blues managerial career before sealing a victory over Norwich last time out.
When asked about Rudiger's situation, Lampard said: "He is fit. It’s a choice for myself, but he will have an important role
"We have missed him as we have with a few more front line players. It is important in a team.
"I don’t want a young team for the sake of it. He can be influential. He is ready to take on those roles [of responsibility]."
And in more good news, tit was confirmed that Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James will play for Chelsea's development squad on Friday night as the pair continue their respective road to recoveries.
On Hudson-Odoi: "Callum will play for the U23s along with Reece James.
"He has been training for a while but there are some issues to make sure that he’s okay.
"It will be great to see that. James, not as long out, but he needs games. I am pleased."
