Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Ben Chilwell is in contention to feature for Chelsea against Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon.
Last week, it was revealed that Chilwell was to see a knee specialist after sustaining an issue prior to Monday's Premier League fixture versus Newcastle United.
At the time, the perception was that the left-back may be set for a period on the sidelines for the second time this campaign after previously missing several months with a hamstring injury.
However, on Thursday afternoon, Chilwell was surprisingly named in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the upcoming friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Pochettino has confirmed that the 27-year-old is currently in line to return to the squad for the last-eight showdown against his former club.
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The Argentine told reporters: "Yes, already Gareth told you that he is fit. He is back in training. I think if everything goes well tomorrow, he will again be back in the squad for Sunday."
That development comes as a huge boost for the vice-captain who had featured in six Premier League games in succession before missing the 3-2 win over the Magpies.
In total, Chilwell has made a total of 13 starts and five substitute outings in all competitions this campaign, contributing one assist.
Prior to the media briefing, Chelsea also revealed that Benoit Badiashile had returned to training after missing over a month of action with a groin injury.
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Badiashile had put in one of his best performances in a Chelsea shirt during the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round on February 7 before suffering the issue during the closing minutes.
However, Levi Colwill appears likely to miss out on Sunday with Chelsea confirming that the defender has still not returned to team training following a toe injury.
The West Londoners are further hindered by Enzo Fernandez serving a suspension and Cesare Casadei being cup-tied through representing Chelsea's upcoming opponents in the third round.
That may potentially result in Carney Chukwuemeka being handed his first start in midfield since the second weekend of the season.
Darren Plant
