Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is happy to hear that Antonio Rudiger will be fit soon.
The German centre-back has been absent for the entirety of the season so far.
But he is closing in on full fitness, and Zouma knows that Rudiger is a key member of the Blues rearguard.
They have failed to keep a clean sheet since the start of November.
"Rudiger is an important player for us," Zouma told the club website after their defeat to Everton in the Premier League.
"He's a very experienced player and we know the qualities he has.
"It's good to have him back, he has no pain and he's feeling good so he can help us in the games like every player in the squad."