Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante could be set to return from injury in time for the Champions League knockout rounds.
Having been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury, Kante has only made two appearances for the Blues this term.
Kante has been one of a number of key Chelsea players that have been affected by injuries this season, including first-choice full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
In Kante's absence, Chelsea have utilised the likes of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Denis Zakaria in midfield.
Graham Potter has also utilised Conor Gallagher in the engine room in recent weeks, but Kante's presence has been missed this season.
During his 262 appearances for Chelsea, Kante has chipped in with 13 goals and 15 assists, helping the club win multiple trophies, including the Premier League title and the Champions League.
Due to his lengthy spell in the treatment room, the Frenchman is yet to feature under Potter, who replaced Thomas Tuchel in September.
According to L'Equipe, Kante is pushing to return in time for Chelsea's Champions League last-16 tie with Borussia Dortmund.
The report claims that the Frenchman is aiming to be back next month, with Chelsea set to face Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on February 15.
However, the second leg at Stamford Bridge, which takes place on March 4, may well be a realistic target for the 31-year-old.
While Kante's return would be a boost to Chelsea, his long-term future at the club remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Although talks are believed to be ongoing between the two parties over a deal, a new contract is yet to be agreed.
Uncertainty over Kante and Jorginho's future, with the latter also out of contract in June, has been a factor behind Chelsea's pursuit for a new midfielder.
The Blues have been linked with the likes of Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham, Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Nunes and West Ham United's Declan Rice.
Chelsea currently sit in 10th place in the Premier League table, and with Potter's side not in action this weekend, they are currently preparing for next Friday's league meeting with Fulham. body check tags ::
