Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to have Alex available for the clash with Aston Villa.

Ancelotti may gamble on Alex's fitness at Aston Villa on Saturday if John Terry fails to recover from a back problem.

Branislav Ivanovic is Chelsea's only fit centre-half after Terry suffered back spasms on England duty. Alex, who was expected to be out for three weeks after limping off against Arsenal nine days ago, has resumed light training and could be ready in time while Jeffrey Bruma, 18, is too inexperienced.