Antonio Rudiger has handed Frank Lampard a welcome injury boost by declaring himself fit for the Blues' trip to Watford.
The German centre back underwent knee surgery in the summer and has missed a good majority of the season, but is set to return in the near future.
Rudiger made his first appearance of the season against Wolves in September, but had to be replaced at half-time and has not been included in the squad since, although Lampard previously said that the defender was making good progress.
"Rudiger is training outside with the physios, which is a progression for him," Lampard told reporters . "He has had a tough injury, stop-start which has been tough for everybody.
"But he is outside, which is positive.
"A bit of work for him to be done for match fitness, but it is positive for us that he is outside."
The defender missed the 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday night, but speaking ahead of the Blues' trip to Watford, he said: "It is very long now [his absence].
"Even with my cruciate ligament rupture, I was not out for so long.
"I'm itching [to play] but very patient."
