Chelsea expect Frank Lampard to make their December 19 clash with Manchester United.
He has not played since suffering a groin injury in August and a planned comeback last month was cancelled when he injured an adductor muscle in training.
The England midfielder has been training on his own but manager Carlo Ancelotti hopes he will rejoin the first team this week.
John Terry is in contention for a return against Everton at the weekend, despite continuing to suffer from a nerve problem in his thigh. Michael Essien also returns after a three-match ban.
