Guus Hiddink admits Gary Cahill is still recovering from injury but the Chelsea boss says he is confident the defender will return during the trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Cahill, who has developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders since joining Chelsea in 2012, has a minor ankle injury.
The 30-year-old didn’t take part in training on Wednesday but is still expected to feature at Selhurst Park.
MORE: Pardew hails 'brilliant' Palace players
“Gary Cahill didn’t train on Wednesday, which means he has a little problem,” Hiddink said.
“He has an ankle injury – some ligaments are a bit tight – but we have several days to go, so I’m not negative about him.”
Loic Remy, who has a calf problem, is a doubt for the trip to south London, while Hiddink insists several players carrying knocks will be given the all clear at the weekend.
“We had two tough games against Watford and Man United,” the 69-year-old, who was drafted in following Jose Mourinho’s sacking, said.
MORE: Former England star backs Bamford after Palace exit
“The physical intensity was high in both games, but we didn’t have big damage.
“Oscar was a bit hurt after a challenge, Willian got some tackles, so did Eden [Hazard].
“There was intensity in these games, but they have been recovering so they are OK.”
Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here