Reece James and Levi Colwill could return to Chelsea's squad for Monday's meeting with Nottingham Forest, interim head coach Calum McFarlane has revealed.
Colwill has not played this season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on the first day of pre-season training, while James has been out since the middle of March with a hamstring problem, but both are now back in full training.
Captain James' readiness to return will be welcome news to England manager Thomas Tuchel as his final decision on World Cup selections nears.
"Reece is back in training," said McFarlane. "Levi is back in training. Both looking good. Little bit of a way to the game [on Monday] so we'll see how they do day by day, but both are looking promising.
"We're taking it day by day. Levi has had a long injury. Reece had a really good run and has been injured again. There's a lot of games still to play, so we don't want to push too much. Hopefully they'll come through."
Levi Colwill has not played a minute for Chelsea yet this season, while Reece James has been out since March. Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images Asked whether both players could make the squad for the game at Stamford Bridge, McFarlane said: "Potentially, yeah."
McFarlane defended Enzo Fernández's decision to travel to Madrid after the squad were given time off following Sunday's FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds.
The Argentina international was suspended internally for two matches recently after appearing to court a move to Real Madrid during a podcast interview, saying he would like to live in the Spanish capital.
Fernández was seen attending the Madrid Open with teammates Marc Cucurella and João Pedro.
"We gave the lads three days off," said McFarlane. "I think it says a lot about the group that they go away together. I love the fact that they spend time together.
"They've gone to Madrid to watch tennis. I don't see an issue with it. He was there last year with his teammates. The last time they had a break they spent time together as well. I think it's a positive sign for the unity within the group."
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Chelsea are in desperate need of a win against in-form Forest, having lost their last five in a row in the league without scoring.

