Cesc Fabregas is set to undergo a fitness test ahead of Chelsea’s match against West Brom.
The Blues midfielder withdrew from the Spain squad for their recent internationals against Belarus and Germany because of hamstring strain.
But Chelsea are hopeful he will be able to play this weekend – Fabregas was due to train with the rest of the squad on Friday.
“Hopefully he can play, because it’s a very important game for us.”
Mourinho on Fabregas
John Mikel Obi will also be assessed having just returned from international duty with Nigeria, while striker Diego Costa is fully fit after his omission from the Spain squad gave him time to recover from hamstring problem.
And Andre Schurrle’s withdrawal from Germany’s squad enabled him to overcome the after-effects of a recent virus.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho explained: “Fabregas trains with the team today but it’s a very simple session.
“We have to make a decision. Hopefully he can play, because it’s a very important game for us.
“Mikel I don’t know because I didn’t see him. Now he is back this morning. Diego has totally recovered, the same as Schurrle.”
Fabregas played through the pain barrier against Liverpool prior to the international break, as did Ramires, who continues to nurse a muscle problem.
Ramires is available for this weekend’s game but Mourinho has admitted that the Brazilian’s condition is still a concern.
He said: “Ramires is a bit like against Liverpool. He can play but he’s not in very, very good condition.
“He is improving. It’s the kind of injury that is improving and he will be able to play, but it is still a problem for us.”
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This post was last modified on 22/11/2014