Chelsea are hopeful Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be fit by the middle of January.
The England international has been out with an Achilles injury since May.
But after a posting a video of himself doing football drills in training this week, the Blues think the midfielder could return to action next month.
A fit again Loftus-Cheek would help manager Frank Lampard, who has lamented his lack of attacking depth.
Loftus-Cheek scored 10 goals and five assists in his 40 appearances for Chelsea last term.