Frank Lampard has confirmed that Joao Felix is back in the Chelsea squad to face Manchester United tomorrow.
He claimed in his pre-match press conference that the 23-year-old is the only player the club can welcome back from the treatment table before the match at Old Trafford.
Felix was originally on the bench for Sunday’s game against champions Manchester City, however he was replaced in the warm up before the game.
It was the first time injury concerns had kept him out of the available squad for a match, with his only other absences coming after a straight red card in his debut against Fulham.
However, he has now been seen back in training with the first team as his loan spell comes to an end in West London.
Now, Lampard has confirmed that he is set to be back in the side for the penultimate game of the campaign.
Joao Felix back for Chelsea
He said: “We don’t have players returning. Mason, Reece and Chilly won’t make the game. Joao is back involved.”
It is still unclear whether the Portugal international will be back at the club next season in any capacity. Previous reports have claimed there are many at the club who would like him there.
There may be efforts to sign him both permanently and on another loan, as the Blues weigh up who they want to bring in during the upcoming transfer window.
A striker is reportedly high on the agenda for the incoming manager, and Felix’s output since coming in January has not made him an attractive option to play in that role.
They may run in to a similar issue when Christopher Nkunku joins the club at the end of the season.