Eden Hazard is "looking good" to return for Chelsea against Crystal Palace on Sunday, says Gianfranco Zola.
Hazard missed the recent wins over BATE Borisov and Burnley after suffering a back injury in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in October.
Chelsea next face Derby County in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night - live on Sky Sports - but Zola says Hazard is more likely to face Crystal Palace on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League.
"He (Hazard) is certainly much better," said Zola. "I'm not sure today but tomorrow (Wednesday) he is going to be joining us in training.
"I don't think he's going to be involved in the game tomorrow but he is looking quite good for the weekend.
"We are pleased because he is such an important player for us."
Derby County boss Frank Lampard returns to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night hoping to cause an upset against his former club.
The Rams defeated Manchester United in the previous round of the Carabao Cup and Zola says he always expected his former team-mate to excel in management.
"It's no surprise for me that he is doing well in his new role in football because he's always had a great attitude towards the game and towards what has to be done to become good in this game," said Zola.