Reece James is closing in on a return to full training in news that will arrive as a timely boost to Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues captain suffered a hamstring injury in August and hasn't played since as he completes his personal rehabilitation programme.
He has been working alone at the club's Cobham HQ - but he is now close to returning to training with his team-mates.
There is hope he could be ready to accelerate his training involvement next week, but the clash against Burnley on October 7 is likely to come too soon.