Chelsea prepare to receive backup from Mateo Kovacic injury

Mateo Kovacic is likely to give Chelsea a timely boost, with the Croatia international nearing a comeback from injury.

The midfielder is back in training after missing eight games with a hamstring injury.

With N'Golo Kante also eliminated through injury and Jorginho suffering from signs of fatigue and hip pain, Chelsea's midfield options have been severely affected in recent weeks.

The club dropped seven points and relinquished the lead in the Premier League table after Saturday's shocking defeat by West Ham.

Kovacic has been a key figure since Thomas Tuchel took over in January and has provided vital coverage for Kante. Saul Niguez was signed in the summer to give the European champions more depth in midfield, but the Spanish international has struggled to familiarize himself with English football - starting just two Premier League games and being substituted at half-time in both.