Mauricio Pochettino says Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto could be available for next week’s Premier League trip to Liverpool.
The French duo have returned to full training after spells on the sideline and closing in on returns, though will miss Friday’s FA Cup fourth round visit of Aston Villa.
Forward Nkunku, who spent the first half of the season sidelined with a knee injury, has been out more recently with a hip injury missing Chelsea’s last four games.
Right-back Gusto sat out Tuesday’s 6-1 Carabao Cup, semi-final second leg victory against Middlesbrough.
Pochettino said: ‘They could be available for Liverpool on Wednesday, could be. We need to see how they are, how they evolve in the next few days. We are positive but we will see. But they are not going to be available for tomorrow.’
Next Wednesday’s Premier League game at Anfield will be a dress rehearsal for next month’s Carabao Cup final after Liverpool joined Chelsea in booking a place in the Wembley showpiece by overcoming Fulham last night.
Pochettino said: ‘It’s going to be a tough opponent. It’s a massive challenge for us. I think it has the ingredients, the final, for a massive challenge for us. It’s going to be good to face Liverpool. It’s going to be tough but a great final.’