Christopher Nkunku hopes to return to training this week, easing fears at Chelsea over his hip injury.
The £52million summer signing has been unable to train for two weeks and Mauricio Pochettino admitted last week he was "worried" about the extent of the issue.
But Nkunku is optimistic he will be fit to return when Chelsea face Middlesbrough in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on January 23.
Nkunku returning would be a major boost for Chelsea. He missed the first four months of the season due to a knee injury and has made just one Premier League start since joining Chelsea. His unavailability has been a major issue for Chelsea, who planned to build their attack around the France international.
Pochettino appeared to suggest last week that Nkunku's latest injury could prompt Chelsea to move for a new striker this month, but he played down those comments after Saturday's 1-0 win over Fulham.
Chelsea continue to weigh up their transfer options for January but have limited funds to sign a top-level striker this month due to Premier League spending rules.
Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Brentford's Ivan Toney and Brighton's Evan Ferguson are all admired but are too expensive this month. Without Nkunku, Armando Broja led the line against Fulham.
Pochettino jetted off straight to Spain for a short break after the Fulham game, with Chelsea having made it four straight Premier League wins since Christmas. He joked he would not be sitting by his phone waiting to hear about potential new signings while away.
"I'd prefer it if the phone did not ring," said Pochettino with a smile. "If it does not ring, it is better."
Chelsea have moved back into European contention after their win over Fulham and are just three points behind sixth-placed West Ham.
Pochettino believes a break will help Chelsea "attack the second half of the season". He said: "We need to give some rest to the players because it is a busy period and they need to breathe. This break is very useful. They need to revive."
