Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti expects midfielder Frank Lampard to be available for Sunday's clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
The influential 32-year-old has missed the club's last 11 matches with a groin injury.
The Blues have maintained their fine form even without Lampard, but they have now received a shot in the arm ahead of Sunday's mouthwatering trip to Anfield.
Ancelotti is ruling Lampard out of featuring in Wednesday's Champions League clash with Spartak Moscow as the fixture is too soon.
The Italian is relishing having the midfielder back among his ranks, stating he is likely to come straight into his starting XI.
"Lampard started training with the team last week," explained Ancelotti.
"I don't think he will be ready for Wednesday but for the next game in the Premier League against Liverpool.
"I hope he will come back quickly because we need to have this kind of player - he is a fantastic player.
"Now the team without Lampard is doing very well. But when he comes back I think we will have him straight into the team.
"We have a lot of games, we have a game every three days and all the players will be involved."
