Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri received a welcome boost today with the news that winger Damien Duff is likely to be back on the bench for tomorrow's FA Cup replay with Watford.
Duff has been out of action since dislocating his shoulder during a league match with Fulham in late December, an injury that could have kept him out for up to six weeks. His absence coincided with Chelsea's worst run of the season.
However, the Republic of Ireland international is due to see a specialist today and will be in the Chelsea squad providing he gets the all clear.
Ranieri must still contend without midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron at Stamford Bridge after it was confirmed the Argentinian will be out for longer than first feared with his back injury.
Veron is expected to face at least another month on the sidelines while his international teammate Hernan Crespo is also out with a calf strain. Midfielder Emmanuel Petit is still struggling with his knee injury.